European Parliament and EU Council back European Commission trade mark reform package

After two years of inter-institutional discussions, on 21 April 2015 the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached provisional political agreement on the trade mark reform package.

The agreed measures will make trade mark registration systems all over the EU more accessible and efficient for businesses in terms of lower costs, increased speed, more predictability and greater legal certainty. The reform will improve conditions for businesses to innovate and to benefit from more effective trade mark protection against counterfeits, including non-authentic goods in transit through the EU's territory.

European Council: IP/15/201, 21.04.15: Trade marks reform: Presidency secures provisional agreement http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/04/21-trade-marks-reform-presidency-secures-provisional-agreement/

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/15/4824, 21.04.15: Package to modernise the European Trade Mark System – Frequently Asked Questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4824_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Trade marks reform: agreement on Council common position http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-trade-marks-reform-agreement-on-council-common-position/

ESO: Background information: European trademark law and the freedom of speech http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-trademark-law-and-the-freedom-of-speech/

ESO: Background information: Trade marks reform: Council confirms agreement with Parliament http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-trade-marks-reform-council-confirms-agreement-with-parliament/

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