EU trade mark law reforms

10 things to know

As we previously reported in January 2016, the European Commission decided in 2008 that a review of the functioning of the trade mark system in Europe was required in order to further harmonise the national laws of Member States, streamline procedures, facilitate cooperation between Member States, support anti-counterfeiting and to better reflect the modern business environment.

Following a lengthy draft, consultation and revision process, the European Parliament approved the European trade mark reform package in December 2015.  The Regulation, (EU) EU 2015/2424, will enter into force on 23 March 2016. Member States will have until 14 January 2019 to transpose the provisions of Directive, (EU) 2015/2436, which enters into force 20 days after publication, into their national laws. Directive 2008/95/EC is repealed with effect from 15 January 2019.

Read the full article, “EU trade mark law reforms, 10 things to know”, for a list of what we consider to be the most noteworthy points and changes to be aware of.