Author Archives: Dr. Dirk Franke

Ireland: London Agreement Enters into Force

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!

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!

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 →

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Priority Documents: Formalities and Time Limits in Germany and Europe

Many applicants of patents, trademarks or designs in Europe or Germany have questions concerning the formalities and time limits for having the priority claim of a previously filed application confirmed. The formalities and time limits for submitting either a priority document … Continue reading →

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Revised German Patent Act: More Flexibility for Applicants

A revised German Patent Act will enter into force on April 1, 2014. This has been announced by the German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) in a press release on October 24, 2013. With the revised German Patent Act important … Continue reading →

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Amended Rules for European Divisional Applications: Consequences and Strategic Considerations for Practitioners

According to an announcement of the EPO, new rules for filing European divisional applications will enter into force on April 1, 2014. The new rules will have the consequence that for all European patent applications pending on April 1, 2014, … Continue reading →

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Rule 36 EPC: New Time Limits for Filing Divisional Applications at the European Patent Office

The European Patent Office (EPO) has finally bowed to the pressure of many applicants for a European patent and will introduce new rules governing the filing of divisional applications. As has been announced by the EPO on October 18, 2013, … Continue reading →

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WIPO MM1 Form: Any Use for this Form?

What is the WIPO MM1 form recommended by WIPO for  filing international trademark applications under the Madrid Agreement? The information sheet of the WIPO website states the the WIPO MM1 form must be used for international trademark registrations which are … Continue reading →

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International Trademark Registration

The Madrid System of international trademark registration is a multinational system for simplifying the administrative procedures of extending trademark protection from one originating country to a number of foreign countries. Its legal basis is the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International … Continue reading →

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Employee’s Inventions: Check-List for Preparing the Initial Meeting with the Patent Attorney

Many times, inventors and start-up entrepreneurs realize they need professional help in order to protect their inventions before the patent office. This is a good realization to have, as early as possible. Unfortunately, not too many inventors and start-up entrepreneurs … Continue reading →

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