Topic outline

  • Introduction

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    Regulation (EU) No 2015/2424 of the European Parliament and the Council amending the Community trade mark regulation has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Amending Regulation will enter into force on 23 March 2016. From that day, the Office will be called the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Community trade mark will be called the European Union trade mark.

    The Amending Regulation was published on 24 December 2015 and is part of the EU trade mark reform legislative package that also includes the replacement of the existing EU Trade Mark Directive (Directive 2008/95/EC of the European Parliament and the Council).

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      EU Trade Mark Directive URL

      On this page you will find: information on the Regulation; links to the texts in 23 languages; latest news; and frequently asked questions.

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      Amending Regulation URL

      On this page you will find the Amending Regulation (available in 23 European Union languages).

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  • The background

    History of the reform process; the main objectives of the process; timeline of its implementation.

  • Formalities & examination

    Filing of applications; capacity to file and represent extended to EEA countries; searches and surveillance letters; elimination of disclaimers.

  • Absolute grounds

    Abolition of graphic representation requirement; extension of functionality prohibition to "other characteristics", EU legislation on PGIs/PDOs.

  • Goods and services

    "Clarity and precision," basis for rejection in case of no compliance; transitional 6 month period (IP Translator).

  • Relative grounds

    International Registrations; assignment of mark filed in the name of an agent; "intervening rights"; PGIs/PDOs; proof of use period.

  • Appeals

    Interlocutory revision; Board decisions taking effect; Mediation.

  • Fees

    Fee structure and levels; application fee; renewal fee; opposition, cancellation and appeal fees.

  • Secondary legislation

    Elimination of the graphic representation requirement; EU Certification marks; the Register and data protection.

  • Substantive changes

    Exclusive right and limitations; terminology, governance of the Office, cooperation activities, budget.