In Judgment T-87/10, the case concerned the mark applied for PIPELINE for the goods ‘devices for the surgical treatment of aneurysms’, and consisting of an English term, it follows that the relevant public is made up of highly specialised English-speaking professionals who are particularly well informed and attentive.

It is true that the word ‘pipeline’ rather evokes installations for the long-distance conveyance of certain hydrocarbons. However, that public is not relevant in the present case. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune of 18February 2009, a medical expert had stated that a device that could revolutionize treatment for brain aneurysm was commonly called ‘the pipeline’.

Further, the applicant claimed that there are other generic terms used in medicine to designate the type of product at issue, in particular the word ‘catheter’, and that the word ‘pipeline’ therefore has no descriptive meaning. It must be borne in mind that it is irrelevant whether there are other more usual signs or indications for designating the same characteristics of the goods or services referred to in the application for registration than those of which the mark concerned.

Thus, the CTM cannot be registered according to Article7 (1) (c) CTMR.