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Trade Marks - Are You Doing Enough To Protect Your Brand?
Monday, October 01, 2007
by
Colin Miller
Trade mark owners should be aware of new laws which came into force in the UK on 1 October. The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) will no longer oppose a trade mark application on the basis that it conflicts with an earlier registration. Trade mark owners will now have to take the initiative to object but can, in exchange for a fee, be notified of an application so that they have an opportunity to act.
Overall, trade mark owners need to be proactive in monitoring use of identical or similar marks in the UK and will require to file their own opposition if they wish to do something about it. Some owners will be automatically notified of conflicting earlier marks but others will need to notify the UK IPO of their wish to be kept informed. Failure to keep up to date may dilute the distinctiveness and ultimately the validity of their brands. For more information visit the UK IPO's website.
For more information, please contact Colin Miller.
The information contained in this article is given for general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any specific matter.