UK Trademark Rule Changes To Affect EU Trademark Owners

Introduction

The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office ("UK IPO") has recently announced changes to its trademark examination procedures that will affect those having registered trademark rights not only at the national level in the United Kingdom but also under the EU-wide Community Trade Mark ("CTM") system. The changes relate to the process by which the UK IPO finds and responds to potential conflicts between new UK trademark applications and prior trademarks in the United Kingdom or CTM registers. Although the changes apply directly only to those who have filed national applications in the United Kingdom, the repercussions of the changes will have a significant effect on a much larger population of trademark owners – namely those who hold CTM registrations. Holders of UK and CTM registrations should take note of these effects and act accordingly to protect their rights.