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Important notice of 22 March 2024

European cooperation in the field of trade mark law: trade mark applications made in bad faith

Within the framework of what are referred to as Convergence Programmes, the trade mark offices of the EU member states and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have been making considerable efforts to achieve an effective harmonisation of their decision-making practice since 2012. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) has been actively involved in almost all Convergence Projects, also in the interests of its German users. The Convergence Programmes support transparency, legal certainty and the predictability of the decision-making practice.

Another Convergence Project in the field of trade marks has now been completed. The project concerns trade mark applications made in bad faith. A summary of the main results with examples can be found in the Common Communication.

The Common Practice and common guidance will be implemented at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office from 22 March 2024 on.

Last updated: 22 March 2024