This content is from: European Union
OHIM to crack down on non-payers
Two changes affecting CTM applicants will come into effect on November 24: OHIM will only examine applications after they have been paid for, and it will also introduce a fast-track procedure
The first change is driven by the desire to improve efficiency, as the Office will not spend time examining or processing mail for applications where no payment has been made.
At present, CTM applicants can pay the basic fee within one month of filing the application. About 4% of CTM applications are examined but never paid for, and OHIM says that proportion is rising.
The second change means that applications will be published in half the time it takes regular applications, or even less.
To be eligible for the fast track procedure, applicants must (1) select the goods and services from OHIM’s harmonised database and (2) pay at the end of the application process or immediately after submission. Additionally, the application should not trigger any deficiency finding at the time of submission or during examination.
More details are available on OHIM’s website.
The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws.
© 2020 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs.