UAE to Join the Madrid Protocol
In great news for companies that file trade marks internationally, the Government of the United Arab Emirates has agreed to join the Madrid Protocol from 28 December 2021.
Read MoreNew USPTO Requirement: Mandatory Electronic Trademark Submissions and Physical Addresses
On Tuesday July 31, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued new Rules and Regulations under Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 2, and 7. They were to take effect on December 21, 2019, but will now take effect of February 15, 2020.
The impact of the rule, as implemented, is a new requirement for all trademark applicants and registrants to:
- electronically file trademark applications, subsequent documents concerning trademark applications, and documents regarding registrations;
- provide and maintain a working e-mail address for receiving correspondence from the USPTO for each trademark application and registration; and
- provide and maintain an accurate domicile address as a backup for the USPTO to contact if an e-mail correspondence address fails to work.
New USPTO Requirement: U.S. Licensed Attorney Representation for Foreign Trademark Applications and Registrations
On Tuesday July 2, 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued new Rules and Regulations under Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 2, 7, and 11. They take effect on Saturday August 3, 2019.
The impact of the rule, as implemented, is a new requirement for a licensed U.S. attorney to serve as counsel for applicants, registrants, or parties to a trademark proceeding whose domicile is not located within the United States (i.e. foreign applicants, registrants, or parties). Previously, a substantial number of such trademark applications had been filed without a U.S. attorney by applicants domiciled in other jurisdictions.
Read MoreChanges to divisional trade mark applications flagged by IP Australia
IP Australia has released a consultation paper (Paper) concerning proposed amendments to Australia’s system for filing divisional trade mark applications. The Paper proposes amendments which will affect all divisional applications filed in Australia, including allowing divisional applications to be filed for International Registrations Designating Australia (IRDAs) for the first time.