Europe plans to tackle goods-in-transit problem

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Europe plans to tackle goods-in-transit problem

Proposals to reform EU trade mark law were finally published last week – and included a nice surprise for trade mark owners

EU

The proposals include substantial changes to the Trade Marks Directive, CTM Regulation and Fees Regulation.

Draft versions of the plans were circulated widely earlier this year and reported on managingip.com in February.

Among other changes, the European Commission plans to cut fees for CTM applications covering only one class rather than three and improve harmonisation by requiring national offices to provide administrative cancellation and opposition systems.

The February draft also included proposals to change the burden of proof in goods-in-transit cases, so that the shipper would be required to show that the goods were not intended for the EU market. This was designed to address concerns raised by brand owners following the CJEU decision in the Philips and Nokia cases.

However, the final proposal published last week goes much further than this. Noting that “there is an urgent need to have in place a European legal framework enabling a more effective fight against the counterfeiting of goods” it proposes entitling right holders to prevent third parties from bring goods into the EU if they bear a trade mark “which is essentially identical to the trade mark registered in respect of those goods”.

The new right would apply “regardless of whether [the goods] are released for free circulation”.

Stuart Adams of Rouse in London, who sits on an INTA committee which has been addressing this issue, said the proposal would be welcomed by brand owners: “I can’t say how happy I am.”

He added: “If ratified, these proposals will be a significant victory for rights holders and a blow against counterfeiters.”

The Directive and Regulation proposals are now subject to the codecision procedure, requiring approval by the European Parliament and Council. This is expected next year. Once approved, the changes in the Directive will have to be transposed into national laws within two years. The changes to the Fees Regulation follow a slightly different procedure.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The insensitive reaction to a UK politician crying on TV proves we have a long way to go before we can say we are tackling workplace wellbeing
Adrian Percer says he was impressed by the firm’s work on billion-dollar cases as well as its culture
In our latest interview with women IP leaders, Catherine Bonner at Murgitroyd discusses technology, training, and teaching
Developments included an update in the VAR dispute between Ballinno and UEFA, the latest CMS updates, and a swathe of market moves
The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards is thrilled to present the 2025 shortlist
A new order has brought the total security awarded to a Canadian tech company to $45 million, the highest-ever by an Indian court in an IP case
Andrew Blattman reflects on how IP practices have changed and shares his hopes for increased AI use and better performance on the stock market
The firm said major IP developments included advising on a ‘landmark’ deal involving green hydrogen production, as well as two major acquisitions
The appointments follow other recent moves in the European market as firms look to bolster their UPC offerings
Deborah Kirk discusses why IP and technology have become central pillars in transactions and explains why clients need practically minded lawyers
Gift this article