European bodies agree on package of trademark reforms

The bodies discussing reforms to the European trademark system have announced a provisional agreement that would see changes including reduced renewal fees for Community trademarks (CTM) and greater harmonisation across EU trademark offices.

The European Commission, the Parliament and Council, the three parties involved in what have been referred to as “trilogue discussions”, agreed on the package on April 21.

As part of the proposals, renewal fees for CTMs would be reduced from €1,500 ($1,613) to €850.

In the proposed package, a portion of OHIM’s budget would be directed towards co-operation projects with national IP offices. The money available for these projects would be limited to 15% of OHIM’s annual revenue.

In addition to the reduction in fees, the number of classes brand owners can apply to one CTM application would be reduced from three to just one. There would also be stronger measures to tackle counterfeit goods in transit.

OHIM would also be renamed the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
The agreement will now head towards the parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and will also need to be officially endorsed by the council and parliament. It is likely to reach the full parliament in September, where it will be voted on by MEPs.