Current trade mark practice

For previous editions of the Guidelines, please visit the Repository

Sections	Most recent changes	Date entry into force	Track-changed version (comparison between the two last adopted versions)
Introduction		01.10.2017	-
Editor's note and general introduction		01.10.2017	PDF
Part A: General rules
Section 1: Means of communication, time limits		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 2: General principles to be respected in the proceedings		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 3: Payment of fees, costs and charges		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 4: Language of proceedings		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 5: Professional representation		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 6: Revocation of decisions, cancellation of entries in the register and correction of errors		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 7: Revision		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 8: Restitutio in integrum		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 9: Enlargement		01.10.2017	PDF
Part B: Examination
Section 1: Proceedings		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 2: Formalities		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 3: Classification	01.01.2019	01.10.2017	PDF
Section 4: Absolute grounds for refusal
Chapter 1: General principles		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 2: EUTM definition (Article 7(1)(a) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 3: Non-Distinctive trade marks (Article 7(1)(b) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 4: Descriptive trade marks (Article 7(1)(c) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 5: Customary signs or indications (Article 7(1)(d) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 6: Shapes or other characteristics with an essentially technical function, substantial value or resulting from the nature of goods (Article 7(1)(e) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 7: Trade marks contrary to public policy or acceptable principles of morality (Article 7(1)(f) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 8: Deceptive trade marks (Article 7(1)(g) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 9: Trade marks in conflict with flags and other symbols (Article 7(1)(h) and (i) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 10: Trade marks in conflict with designations of origin and geographical indications (Article 7(1)(j) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 11: Trade marks in conflict with traditional terms for wines (Article 7(1)(k) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 12: Trade marks in conflict with traditional specialities guaranteed (Article 7(1)(l) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 13: Trade marks in conflict with earlier plant variety denominations (Article 7(1)(m) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 14: Acquired distinctiveness through use (Article 7(3) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 15: European Union Collective marks		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 16: European Union Certification marks		01.10.2017	PDF
Part C: Opposition
Section 0: Introduction		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 1: Procedural matters		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 2: Double identity and likelihood of confusion
Chapter 1: General principles		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 2: Comparison of goods and services	01.01.2019	01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 3: Relevant public and degree of attention		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 4: Comparison of signs		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 5: Distinctiveness of the earlier mark		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 6: Other factors		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 7: Global assessment		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 3: Unauthorised filing by agents of the TM proprietor (Article 8(3) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 4: Rights under Articles 8(4) and 8(6) EUTMR		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 5: Trade marks with reputation (Article 8(5) EUTMR)		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 6: Proof of use		01.10.2017	PDF
Part D: Cancellation
Section 1: Proceedings		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 2: Substantive provisions		01.10.2017	PDF
Part E: Register Operations
Section 1: Changes in a registration		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 2: Conversion		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 3: EUTMs and RCDs as objects of property
Chapter 1: Transfer		01.10.2017	PDF
Chapter 2: Licences, Rights in rem, Levies of execution, Insolvency proceedings or similar proceedings		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 4: Renewal		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 5: Inspection of files		01.10.2017	PDF
Section 6: Other entries in the register
Chapter 1: Counterclaims		01.10.2017	PDF
Part M: International marks		01.10.2017	PDF

Current trade mark practice

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