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Notice of 14 April 2021

European cooperation in the field of trade mark law – harmonisation of the decision-making practices concerning new types of mark: examination of formal requirements and grounds for refusal

Within the framework of what are referred to as convergence programmes, the trade mark offices of the EU member states and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have been making considerable efforts to achieve effective harmonisation of their decision-making practices since 2012. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) has been actively involved in almost all convergence projects, also in the interests of its German users. The convergence programmes support transparency, legal certainty and the predictability of the decision-making practice.
Another convergence project in the trade mark sector has now been completed; the project concerns new types of mark: examination of formal requirements and grounds for refusal. Detailed information, explanations and examples are provided in the principles of Common Practice. A summary of the main results including examples is available in the Common Communication (2,24 MB).
The Common Practice and the Guidelines will be implemented by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office from 1 June 2021.
Further information is also available on the website of EUIPO.

Bild: DPMA

Last updated: 14 April 2021