01.09.2011 — Construction works from 13 to 15 September 2011

Due to construction works our office operations will be restricted in abovementioned period.

The construction works may also lead to temporary communication failures. Thank you for your understanding!

If you have instructions for our office to follow during the abovementioned period please kindly contact us well before
13 September 2011 to avoid problems.

Of course, urgent matters and matters falling due in this period will be handled properly despite these limitations!

Please contact us if you have any questions.

01.09.2010 — Serbia new member state of the European Patent Organisation

The European Patent Convention (EPC) will enter into force for Serbia on 1 October 2010.

European patent application that are filed on or after 1 October 2010 will include the designation of Serbia. PCT-requests that are filed on or after this date will automatically designate Serbia for the purpose of obtaining a European patent. On the same date the extension agreement between Serbia and the European Patent Organisation will terminate.

With the accession of Serbia the European Patent Organisation will comprise 38 member states (an updated list can be found here) from 1 October 2010.

For PCT- and European application filed before 1 October 2010 the former rules regarding Serbia continue to apply.

Please contact us if you need additional information.

20.04.2010 — European Patent: New memberstate Albania

With the accession of Albania the European Patent Organisation will comprise 37 member states from 1 May 2010.

European patent applications filed on or after 1 May 2010 will include the designation of Albania. PCT-requests will automatically designate the new member state for the purpose of obtaining a european patent. The extension agreement between the European Patent Organisation and Albania will terminate with the entry into force of the European Patent Convention for Albania on 1 May 2010.

The former regulations, however, continue to apply for all applications filed prior to that date.

After the accession of San Marino on 1 July 2009 Albania is the
37th member state of the European Patent Organisation (an updated list can be found here). Including three extension states a european patent can be validated in 40 countries after grant.

Please contact us if you need additional information.

16.03.2010 — Opposition procedure in Austria against Trademarks

From 1 July 2010, a new opposition procedure in trademark matters is possible in Austria.

Opposition may be lodged against trademarks with a publication date after 1 July 2010. The new procedure at a glance:

Who may lodge an opposition: Owners of registered trademarks or trademark applications (that have to result in a registration) with earlier priority dates.

What may be opposed: Confusingly similar trademarks in the process of registration in Austria (national trademarks and international trademarks designating Austria).

When may an opposition be lodged: Within three months after publication of the similar trademark in the "Österreichischer Markenzeiger" or the WIPO Gazette.

The cancellation of a trademark resulting from such an opposition is effective retroactively from the beginning of the period of protection. The procedure is primarily carried out in writing, oral proceedings are summoned only in exceptional cases. Hence, in addition to cancellation proceedings the opposition procedure makes for a swift and inexpensive way for trademark holders to enforce their rights.

However, effective use of the procedure requires diligent observation of current trademark applications, particularly of competing companies.

Please contact us if you need additional information.