26 September 2011

OHIM to Introduce Mediation Service for Trade Mark and Design Cases

OHIM to Introduce Mediation Service for Trade Mark and Design Cases

OHIM has announced its intention to introduce a mediation service in relation to trade mark and design cases as an alternative to proceeding with an appeal. OHIM has a number of recently trained and qualified mediators who will act as 'facilitators' and, where requested, help parties to reach an agreement.

It is understood that further details are likely to be announced in OHIM’s official Journal on 3 October 2011 and will come into effect before the end of the month. At present, OHIM’s Board of Appeal handles 2,000 or so cases a year and anticipates that during the course of the next 12 months a couple of dozen may be handled by the new mediation service. Further details will follow on our website.

Further information about the mediation service can be found on OHIM's website.