Changes to the law on registering trade marks will help businesses register trade marks. Under the new rules, trade mark examiners will no longer automatically refuse applications where there is an earlier similar trade mark. Instead it will be for the holder of the earlier mark to seek to block the application if they so wish. This is intended to ensure that applications will only be blocked where they affect others’ trading interests. Welcoming the amendments, Lord Triesman, the Intellectual Property Minister, said: “The new system will make it easier for businesses wanting to launch new products and protect them with UK trade marks. It will also help users by aligning the UK regime with the European one.” Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the UK Intellectual Property Office, added: “This is a major change which affects every trade mark holder and applicant. We are confident that having now introduced the amendments we will maintain our high standard of service to all our users.” Date:5 October 2007
Content by: Made Simple Group
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