2016-02-18

WIPO News: Chance to Clarify Scope of International Registrations designating the European Union

If you are the holder of an international registration with an EU designation in force prior to June 22, 2012, and you relied on a NICE Class heading to define the scope of protection, it is in your interest to consider clarifying this scope before The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM). A decision not to take advantage of this opportunity may mean that your scope of protection in the EU will be limited to the literal meaning of the NICE Class heading only.

In line with the provisions of Article 28(8) European Union Trade Mark Regulation (EUTMR), you have until September 24, 2016 to clarify the goods and services that fall outside the literal meaning of a NICE Class heading, through a declaration submitted to OHIM.