Taxi drivers lose again in court!

LTC is the registered proprietor of Community Trade Mark No. 951871 registered as of 5 October 1998 in respect of “motor vehicles, accessories for motor vehicles parts and fittings for the aforesaid” in Class 12 (“the CTM”) the relevant class.

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It also owns United Kingdom Trade Mark No. 2440659 registered as of 1 December 2006 in respect of “cars cars, all being taxis” in Class 12 (“the UKTM”).Â

Mr Justice Arnold found as follows:-

i) both of the Trade Marks were devoid of inherent distinctive character in relation to goods in Class 12 at the respective dates of application

ii) neither of the Trade Marks had acquired a distinctive character in respect of goods in Class 12 by the date of the counterclaim

iii) both of the Trade Marks should be declared invalid in respect of goods in Class 12 on the ground that they consist exclusively of the shape which gives substantial value to the goods

iv) the CTM should be revoked for non-use in respect of goods in Class 12 with effect from 2 May 2014

v) the Defendants have not infringed either of the Trade Marks pursuant to Article 9(1)(b) of the Regulation and Article 5(1)(b) of the Directive

vi) the Defendants have not infringed either of the Trade Marks pursuant to Article 9(1)(c) of the Regulation and Article 5(2) of the Directive

vii) the Defendants would if necessary have a defence to the infringement claim under Article 12(b) of the Regulation and Article 6(1)(b) of the Directive and

viii) the claim for passing off fails.

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