Author Archives: Dr. Dirk Franke

Rubik’s Cube Confirmed as a 3D Trademark in Europe

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Dr. Dirk Franke

Invented in the 1970s, the Rubik’s Cube fascinates people around the globe and is one of the world’s best-selling toys. While many fans found the magic cube a hard nut to crack, a German toy manufacturer has challenged the registered … Continue reading →

Posted in European Law, International Law, Trademark Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Morocco: Validation Agreement Enters into Force

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced in a recent press release that the agreement on the validation of European patents between the EPO and Morocco will enter into force on March 1, 2015. With the recognition of the EPC, … Continue reading →

Posted in European Law, Patent Law | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Interview: Incentives to Innovate

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Dr. Dirk Franke

Interview with Dr. Dirk Franke. The following topics are covered: the future of the profession of a European patent attorney, patent litigation costs, trivial patents; how to find a qualified patent attorney, EU patent (unitary patent), changes in the European … Continue reading →

Posted in European Law, German law, Patent Law | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

We wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015! Photo: © Ashwin Chandrasekaran, [CC BY 2.0]

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OHIM: New Fake Invoices Resemble Official Communications

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

Applicants for European community trademarks (CTM applications) are currently receiving fake invoices from a British service provider called “OMIH – Trademarks and Designs Registration Office”. The fine print of the fake invoices mentions that the message is only an offer, … Continue reading →

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New Common Trademark Practice: New Strategies Required for Filing Trademarks in Europe

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

Further to our recent article on the changes of the common practice of several European trademark offices (including the OHIM, GPTO, etc.) on the treatment of colored trademarks we will now explain how the decisions will in our opinion change … Continue reading →

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OHIM: Color Check for Black and White Trademarks

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) recently announced a new common practice for trademarks registered in black and white or in grayscale in Europe. Under the new practice, the OHIM will no longer treat trademarks filed in … Continue reading →

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Ireland: London Agreement Enters into Force

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

With Ireland already having deposited on November 25, 2012 the instrument of accession to the London Agreement, the new legislation will formally enter into force in Ireland on March 1, 2014. Ireland had already signed into effect national laws in … Continue reading →

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Happy New Year 2014!

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Dr. Dirk Franke

We wish a Happy and prosperous New Year to all our readers! Photo: © matze_ott, [CC BY 2.0]

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OHIM: New Website Goes Online!

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Dr. Dirk Franke

This week, a visitor to the website of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) will find that the functionalities and the design of the website have undergone drastic changes. The OHIM published in a press release some … Continue reading →

Posted in European Law, Search Tools, Trademark Law | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment