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Autumn 2003
10 new countries are set to join the EU on 1 May 2004 thus extending
the application of the Community Trade Mark (CTM) system.
Under the provisions of the Treaty of Accession, the registered
owner of a national trade mark, can used that mark to prevent the
use of a registered CTM which conflicts with that national mark
in their home state.
Also, registered trademark owners are given a six-month period
to oppose existing registrations.
This period commences on 1 November 2003, and so those considering
trade mark applications after that date should conduct searches
for conflicting marks in relation to the new acceding countries.
Trade mark owners who may be considering making an application
shortly would be advised, to make their application, if possible
before the 1 November deadline.
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