Trade Marks
Improvements in the Community Trade Mark System
July 16, 2012
The Community Trade Mark System is very popular and cost effective for obtaining trade mark rights across the UK. Under this system a single application is filed which covers all member states of the European Union within a single registration. The Community Trade Mark Office (OHIM) has published is 2011 annual report, and it appears that how the Community trade mark procedures operate for applicants and opponents is further improving.
The Community Trade Mark Office (OHIM) published in its 2011 Annual Report the following encouraging information: • Community trade mark applications filed electronically increased to 95%; • 34% of oppositions are now filed electronically; • The time for publication and registration of Community trade marks reduced to 10 weeks and 25 weeks respectively; • A special team has been set up to deal with the backlog of trade mark cancellation decisions The above points indicate that filing Community trade mark applications and oppositions electronically is easy and is a method which is encouraged by OHIM. In addition, OHIM has successfully reduced the timescale for Community trade mark applications to reach registration and has increased resources to deal with specific backlogs. Please contact your usual contact at Swindell & Pearson or Katy Fuggle [email protected] should you wish to discuss any aspect of the Community trade mark system.
Swindell & Pearson has been helping businesses and individuals protect and defend their ideas, innovations and brands for over 130 years. With its head office in Derby, the firm also has offices in Stoke, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Sheffield and Burton. To find out how Swindell & Pearson can help you with any intellectual property requirements please get in touch via [email protected] or by telephone on 01332 367 051.
Kieron Taylor
IP Director