On January 17, 2007, the CFI rejected a trademark application for an embossing of kitchen towels in classes 16 and 21 as consumers would either regard the embossing as referring to the absorption properties of the products or consider it as purely made for aesthetic or decorative purposes.
The sign that was applied for was consequently unable to identify the origin of the products. The strict position of the OHIM against 3D trademarks increases the risks of copies and shows the necessity to rather opt for national trademark applications or Community design.