The database project has been set up by the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, which was transferred to OHIM from the European Commission almost 18 months ago.
Rights holders will be able to upload pictures and other information about products that are protected by trade marks or design rights that will help enforcement agencies to spot fake versions. There is no charge for using the service.
OHIM says that it is beginning to grant police in member states access to the database following the signing of a cooperation agreement between OHIM and Europol.
The enforcement database was paid for by OHIM’s €50 million Cooperation Fund, set up to use some of the Office’s surplus to fund IT tools for EU national and regional IP offices and users.
Rights holders who want to participate in the tool should email: Observatory.edb@oami.europa.eu.
