Trade marks changes start today!

The changes agreed last year in relation to a revival of the trade mark system in the EU have today become a reality

It is the day in which all experts in IP have been waiting for, to allow them to update their clients on the new terminology and system from today in place.

As part of a complete package including a new trade mark directive, a number of changes have been made to the EU trade mark system some of which are beneficial to you, potential trade mark owners.

First of all, some titles have been amended. Previously if you had trade mark protection in the EU, you had a Community Trade Mark. Now these will be known as a European Union trade marks.

Also you would have previously been dealing with the Office of Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) in relation to any applications or queries. This will now be titled the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

This is welcome relief for the public as the previous names did not indicate immediately what they were representing and could be relatively confusing.

The new titles are much more straightforward.

Also, there has been a number of changes in relation to the fees attached to trade mark applications in the EU.

Previously an application would have cost €900. Now this has reduced by €50 therefore standing at €850.

In addition, the fee payable for the renewal of your mark in the EU has reduced from €1350 to €850.

Therefore, overall, there are a number of benefits to potential and actual trade mark owners like yourselves.

To start the ball rolling and get an application put forward, contact Jane at The Trademarkroom

By Ellis Sweetenham