IP Office Actions: National, OHIM, WIPO and ECJ
We handle a high volume of prosecutions, oppositions and other registry actions at all levels within national and international registries and courts. This necessarily means that we are completely up-to-date with the very latest law and registry procedures that are evolving almost daily.
We have particular experience of securing, defending and attacking registrations for marks that are considered difficult to register, including:
- Single colour marks;
- Shapes;
- Descriptive words, short abbreviations and common names; and
- Slogans.
More and more brand disputes are now being addressed in the registries rather than in the courts. However, they remain just as strategically important to our clients. This is why we look at registry actions through a litigator's eye and as part of an overall strategy, often on a global basis which we may be coordinating.
We treat all objections to registration of our client's marks as a challenge to their legitimate monopoly rights. We work tirelessly in our client's interests to overcome them. However, we take care not to make damaging concessions just to secure any registration.
We have argued cases at all levels and have experience in virtually all registries worldwide. As a result, we have built strong relationships with a network of the leading local attorneys worldwide. We also have good contacts within the UK, German, OHIM and WIPO registries. We are not afraid to work with them, as appropriate and proper, to further our client's interests.