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Monday, March 21, 2005

2004 Annual Report of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM).

The

2004 Annual Report of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) has just been published. The OHIM President, Mr. Wubbo die Boer, writes:

"[...] The OHIM processed some 75 000 trade mark applications in 2004 – thus eliminating the backlog of 35 000 applications that existed at the end of 2003. This remarkable progress was achieved by doubling the number of examinations, formalities checks and publications achieved in 2004 compared to 2003. The result is that 90% of trade mark applications are now published within 10 months of receipt. In October, we decided to write a letter to all applicants once formal examination of their application is complete, and before national searches and translation are conducted, informing them of the outcome of examination.

[...]

The new Community design system, which started in 2003, has continued to be a success during 2004. So far the OHIM has dealt with 21 000 design applications containing over 81 000 designs. An increasing number of applications are expected in the next year. [...]"

With regard to the Community Trade Mark as well as to the Community Design the OHIM is in a competition-like situation with the various national Patent and Trade Mark Offices where applicants can get protection on a State-by-State-basis.

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