In the last 17 years, the CTM has helped to establish a harmonised yet multi-faceted trade mark regime in the EU. However, in the next few years, it is set to provide the basis for a more compatible
In the last 17 years, the CTM has helped to establish a harmonised yet multi-faceted trade mark regime in the EU. However, in the next few years, it is set to provide the basis for a more compatible and accessible system of trade mark protection across the EU. This is because the EU Commission has published a set of initiatives that will modernise the CTM Regulation and Trade Mark Directive with the aim of making trade mark systems within the EU more efficient, effective and affordable.
The proposed changes range from new names ("the European Trade Mark" and "European Union Trade Marks and Designs Agency") to the harmonisation of national registration procedures to the revision of the national and EU fee structures.
Overall, the Commission's plans should improve access to trade mark protection for all owners regardless of their size, business activities or geographical presence with the implemented proposals hopefully maturing into a model that can facilitate genuine interoperability between the unitary and national trade mark systems.
Further details of the proposed changes are set out in an article published in IP Magazine.
The proposed changes range from new names ("the European Trade Mark" and "European Union Trade Marks and Designs Agency") to the harmonisation of national registration procedures to the revision of the national and EU fee structures.
Overall, the Commission's plans should improve access to trade mark protection for all owners regardless of their size, business activities or geographical presence with the implemented proposals hopefully maturing into a model that can facilitate genuine interoperability between the unitary and national trade mark systems.
Further details of the proposed changes are set out in an article published in IP Magazine.