Trade mark owners must be their own watchdogs
Changes to the trade mark laws mean that applications will no longer be automatically refused if there is an earlier similar trade mark that might be conflicting.
The Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2007 came into force on 1 October and as a result trade mark owners must now block and oppose new conflicting applications themselves.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) will inform owners of earlier conflicting marks if the new applicant decides to go ahead with registration.
Intellectual Property and Quality Minister Lord Triesman said:
"The new system will make it easier for businesses wanting to launch new products and protect them with UK trade marks. It will also help users by aligning the UK regime with the European one."
