Changes Coming to European Community Trademark System

In 2016, a number of changes will be implemented to the European Community Trademark System.  Among the most important for Canadian brand owners are:

• Implementation of per class fee structure. Currently OHIM permits an application to include up to three classes for a flat fee of 900€. As of 2016, a fee per class will apply.
• Greater specification of goods and services will be required for applications that claim a class heading.
• Increased protection against counterfeits in the European Community as a whole.
• Change of identification of Community Trademark to “European Union Trademark” (or EUTM); OHIM will be referred to as the “European Union Intellectual Property Office” (or “EUIPO”).

For further information, please contact Paula Clancy.

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