Decathlon Wins Key EU Design Case – A Major Boost for Product Creators
In a landmark ruling, French sporting goods giant Decathlon SA has successfully defended the validity of its EU design rights for its innovative EASYBREATH full-face snorkelling masks. The decision by the General Court of the European Union sends a strong signal to product designers and rights holders: in the EU, aesthetic choices matter - even for functional products.
Decathlon's two registered designs (002340224-0001 and 002526699-0001) had been challenged by German sports equipment wholesaler Delta-Sport Handelskontor. Delta-Sport argued that the designs were invalid, claiming they were purely technical in nature and lacked the necessary novelty and individual character to qualify for legal protection.
The Court disagreed. In its judgement, the Court confirmed that Decathlon's designs are valid and enforceable, recognising that elements such as shape, proportions, and contouring were not solely dictated by function. These subtle design features gave the masks a distinctive aesthetic, qualifying them for legal protection under EU design law. The Court also found no prior equivalent design, confirming the novelty and originality of Decathlon's creation.
This ruling is an important reminder that even highly functional products can benefit from design rights if visual appeal plays a role in their development.
With an infringement trial set for July 2025 in Munich, Decathlon is now in a strong position to assert its rights against copycat products and this ruling will likely play a key role.
Why This Matters
Whether you are a manufacturer, designers, or brand owner, this case reinforces the value of registering designs and defending them, especially where both form and function intersect. The protection of functional yet aesthetically driven products is not only possible, it's legally recognised.
Make an Enquiry Now
If you are developing a product or looking to protect the value in your product design, please call our expert intellectual property lawyers to help you protect and enforce your design rights on 0131 478 4724 or complete an Online Enquiry.
We have helped hundreds of individuals and businesses.
