European Union – Trademarks. The Court of Justice of the European Union gave a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of art 3(1)(e) of the First Council Directive (EEC) 89/104 (the trade marks directive). The request for a preliminary ruling was made in the course of proceedings between Hauck GmbH & Co KG and Stokke A/S and others concerning an application for the annulment of the Benelux trade mark registration of a sign in the shape of a children's chair marketed by Stokke A/S and others.