PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council...
-
Upload
timothy-mackay -
Category
Documents
-
view
213 -
download
0
Transcript of PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council...
![Page 1: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 2: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
IntroductionIntroduction
The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) № 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR) is one of the corner-stones of the CTM system in its aspect of co-existence with national TM systems.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 3: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
IntroductionIntroduction
Namely, the proprietor of no longer existing CTM application or registration can request conversion of his CTM application or registration into a national TM application with respect to:
Member States designated in the request
all or some goods and services
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 4: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Grounds for conversionGrounds for conversion
Conversion is possible only when:CTM application is:
»withdrawn»finally refused
CTM registration is:»finally revoked »declared invalid »surrendered or not renewed
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 5: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
OHIM
Examines the request
Request for
conversion
OHIM transmits the
request to designated
Offices
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 6: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Conversion basic principles Conversion basic principles
The request for conversion becomes a national TM application, under the national law of the designated offices.
A national application, resulting from a CTM conversion request carries with it its Community dates: filling date, priority date as well as seniority date, where applicable.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 7: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Conversion basic principlesConversion basic principles
Each designated office ought to:examine whether conversion is excluded
pursuant to Article 108 (2) CTMR (Article 110 (1) CTMR)
treat and examine the ensuing trade mark application in the same way as a normal national trade mark application.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 8: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 9: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
2 months time to take or not the following steps :•find domestic representative•translate the documents•pay fees
Designated Officesreceive transmitted CTM conversions
When proprietor’s application meets the requirements, BPO examines ensuing application, namely:
• formalities• absolute and relative grounds
If the proprietor does not take the required steps before BPO, the application is considered withdrawn.
BPO
![Page 10: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Conversion in Conversion in Bulgarian legislationBulgarian legislation
As per Bulgarian legislation, conversion is particularly regulated by:
LAW ON MARKS AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (BG-TML)
CHAPTER IVa – “COMMUNITY MARK”
Article 72c (in force as of the date of accession of the Republic of Bulgaria to the EU)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 11: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Conversion in Conversion in Bulgarian legislationBulgarian legislation
Article 72c “Conversion of a Community Conversion of a Community Mark Into a National ApplicationMark Into a National Application”:
“(1) The applicant for or proprietor of a Community mark may request the conversion of his Community mark application or Community mark into a national mark application for registration...”
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 12: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Time limitTime limit
Within two months, counted from the day BPO receives the notification about CTM conversion, the proprietor of ensuing application can take procedural steps.
(Article 72c (2) BG-TML)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 13: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Within this time limit, the proprietor of converted CTM ought to meet the following national requirements, in order his application to be valid and subject to further examination.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 14: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Legal representation
Persons, who have no residence or head office in the Republic of Bulgaria shall conduct business with the BPO through a domestic industrial property agent.
(Article 3 (2) BG-TML
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 15: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Translation
The filing of standard national application form in Bulgarian language is considered to be a translation of the conversion.
Such application must contain identical data as the conversion request.
(Article 72c (2) (i) BG-TML)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 16: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Graphic representations of the mark
Except in cases of word mark, graphic representation shall be applied.
Where color is claimed, the mark representation shall be in color.
(Article 72c (2) (ii) BG-TML)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 17: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Fee payment
BPO collects application and examination fees under the Fee Tariff, approved by the Council of Ministers.
(Article 72c (2) (iii) BG-TML)
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 18: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
National requirementsNational requirements
Where above-mentioned requirements are not met within the fixed time-limit,, the request for conversion is deemed withdrawn.
However, there are no such special provisions in Bulgarian national law.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 19: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
ExaminationExamination
The ensuing application keeps the original filing date, priority or where appropriate seniority date, of the CTM application.
BPO treats this application, as a normal national TM application and examines:
formalitiesabsolute and relative grounds for refusal
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 20: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Figures and factsFigures and facts
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
2007 2008
met nationalrequirements – nowbeing on examinationlevel
the proprietor takesno further action
CTM conversionrequests in whichBulgaria is adesignated country
to 22.04.2008
18
27
45
3 3
![Page 21: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
As the statistics shows, proprietors of more than 60% of the transmitted CTM conversion requests, take no subsequent steps to meet the legal national requirements.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
Figures and factsFigures and facts
![Page 22: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Figures and factsFigures and facts
This high percentage brings forward the following questions:
Whether it is appropriate to notify the requesting party by sending him an invitation, in which stating our national requirements.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 23: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Figures and factsFigures and facts
Whether the time limit is not long enough for the proprietors of a CTMs to take the required steps.
Is it better this time-limit to be extended?
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 24: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
In order CTM conversion requests, to be examined faster and without complication, it is important for us to answer the following questions:
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 25: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
Whether to treat requests for conversion as a subject of a new substantive examination.
Is it more appropriate to provide for system examination and registration, under facilitated conditions?
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 26: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
When speaking of converted CTMs, wherein the listed goods and services are classified according to older classifications, is it necessary to re-arrange them, according to the classification in action?
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 27: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
Speaking of Bulgaria as a New Member State, the most important problems are those, concerning the conversions of CTMs, applied or registered before the effective date of our accession – 01.01.2007.
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 28: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Accession date (01.01.2007)
After accessionBefore accession
It is possible the proprietor to seek conversion of his CTM for the territory of New Member States
The proprietor decides to file the request for conversion of his refused or withdrawn CTM, for a New Member State.
CTM application filed BEFORE the accession date.
Withdrawn or finally refused Withdrawn or finally refused CTM applicationsCTM applications
![Page 29: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Accession date (01.01.2007)
After accessionBefore accession
It is possible the proprietor to seek conversion of his CTM for the territory of New Member States
The proprietor decides to file the request for conversion of his CTM, which has already surrendered or expired, for a New Member State.
CTM registration expires or has been surrendered close to the accession date, but BEFORE it. And the limit for requesting conversion, expires after the accession date.
Surrendered or not renewed Surrendered or not renewed CTM registrationsCTM registrations
![Page 30: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
In the context of enlargement, no special legislative provisions were foreseen for conversion in the national law.
Thus BPO faces following contradictions:
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 31: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
ProblemsProblems
which date, to be considered as a filing date (respectively priority or seniority date) of the conversion requests for the above mentioned CTMs?
which date, the duration of the converted CTM should be calculated from i.e. when does the ensuing TM expire?
PATENT OFFICEPATENT OFFICEOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIAOF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA
![Page 32: PATENT OFFICE OF REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA. Introduction The provision in Article 108 (1) Council Regulation (EC) 40/94 on the Community trade mark (CTMR)](https://reader035.fdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022062619/55152e7e550346c77d8b57a8/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)