International Trademark Protection
William Fisher June 25, 2004
Many of the slides in this presentation were prepared by the Technical Cooperation Division of the Office of Harmonization in the Internal Market, Alicante, Spain, October 29, 1998
Internationalization of Trademark Protection: Four Axes
(1) Harmonization of the laws of separate jurisdictions (2) Facilitation of Filings and Management in other countries (3) Expanding coverage of regional trademarks (4) Expansion of trademark entitlements Terminus: single, uniform, world-wide, highly protective trademark system
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Paris Convention
• No discrimination against nationals of other countries -- 2 • First filing date in a member country gives applicant priority in all other countries, provided filings are made within 6 months -- 4 • Marks considered “well-known” in any member country protected against use on similar goods in that country -- 6bis • Protection of foreign nationals against “unfair competition” -- 10bis
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Madrid Agreement
• 30 Countries (not USA) • Owner of a “basic registration” may file international TM application in home office – if int’l application is filed within 6 months of basic registration, get date of priority • Application forwarded to WIPO, which: – issues international registration – publishes in Les Marques Internationales – forwards application to designated member countries • National offices examine application for conformity with national laws – if no action within 1 year, deemed registered • “Central Attack” • French
Madrid Protocol
• 70 countries (USA joined on 11/2/2003) • After filing domestic application, applicant may file international TM application in home office – if int’l application is filed within 6 months of basic application, get date of priority • Application forwarded to WIPO, which: – issues international registration – publishes in Les Marques Internationales – forwards application to designated member countries • National offices examine application for conformity with national laws – if no action within 1 year, deemed registered • No “Central Attack” • French or English
http://www.wipo.org/madrid/en/legal_texts/madrid_protocol.htm
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Trademark Law Treaty
• Procedural simplification and harmonization • 27 countries, including US (as of 2/26/2002) • Standard forms for applications, powers of attorney, etc. • Countries may require only: – name and address, – information concerning the mark – goods and services the mark pertains to, – the mark's classification, – declaration of the intention to use the mark. • 10-year initial term and renewal terms
http://www.wipo.int/treaties/ip/tlt/index.html
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS (1994) • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
TRIPS Harmonization
• National Treatment and MFN • Service marks must be protected -- 15 • Geographical indications must be protected (especially for wine and spirits) -- 22 & 23 • Mandatory Procedures for Publication, Opposition, and Cancellation -- 15 • Expansive protection for well-known marks -- 16 • 7-year minimum term -- 18 • Cancellation for non-use only after 3 years; longer if owner has legitimate excuse -- 19. • No compulsory licensing -- 21 • No “special requirements” encumbering use -- 21 • Preliminary relief must be available
• Pre-1959: Arechabalas family owns Cuban TM in Havana Club • 1959: Cuban government confiscates assets of Arechabalas family • Arechabalas let Cuban TM registration lapse • Cuban company registers Havana Club, then enters into joint venture with Pernod Ricard (French); HCH sells rum under that label in 80 countries • 1997: Bacardi (Bermuda company) buys rights to “Havana Club” from Arechabalas family • HCH seeks US registration for “Havana Club” • 1998, Congress adopts “Section 211,” forbidding U.S. courts to recognize or enforce TM rights used in connection with a confiscated business, unless the confiscado consents; limited to Cuban confiscados; • HCH unable to press its claims in U.S courts • Castro threatens to begin local, unauthorized production of Coca-Cola • EU initiates WTO dispute settlement
Bacardi Case
• Pre-1959: Arechabalas family owns Cuban TM in Havana Club • 1959: Cuban government confiscates assets of Arechabalas family • Arechabalas let Cuban TM registration lapse • Cuban company registers Havana Club, then enters into joint venture with Pernod Ricard (French); HCH sells rum under that label in 80 countries • 1997: Bacardi (Bermuda company) buys rights to “Havana Club” from Arechabalas family • HCH seeks US registration for “Havana Club” • 1998, Congress adopts “Section 211,” forbidding U.S. courts to recognize or enforce TM rights used in connection with a confiscated business, unless the confiscado consents; limited to Cuban confiscados; • HCH unable to press its claims in U.S courts • Castro threatens to begin local, unauthorized production of Coca-Cola • EU initiates WTO dispute settlement
Bacardi Case
Bacardi Case
• Final Ruling of WTO appellate body (January 2002): – Trade names are covered by TRIPS – Each country had substantial latitude in regulating conditions for registration of marks
• Thus US could refuse to register confiscated marks
– But non-discrimination principles (National Treatment and MFN) forbid special treatment for nationals of a particular foreign country
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Community Trademark
• • • • Coexists with national TM systems Substantive Harmonization Open System (contrast Madrid Protocol) Administrative hierarchy: – OHIM – OHIM Boards of Appeals – European Court of Justice • “Absolute” Grounds for Nonregistration – indistinctive, descriptive, functional, deceptive, flags, etc. • Designated “Community TM Courts” in each country • Cancellation for nonuse in Europe for 5 years
Community Trademark
• • • • Coexists with national TM systems Substantive Harmonization Open System (contrast Madrid Protocol) Administrative hierarchy: – OHIM – OHIM Boards of Appeals – European Court of Justice • “Absolute” Grounds for Nonregistration – indistinctive, descriptive, functional, deceptive, flags, etc. • Designated “Community TM Courts” in each country • Cancellation for nonuse in Europe for 5 years
Directive 89/104: Substantive Harmonization
1) definition of what can be registered as a trademark; 2) rights conferred by a trademark; 3) conditions on use of a trademark, especially, cancellation for lack of use; 4) exhaustion of the rights; 5) grounds for refusal, invalidation, or revocation of a trademark
National Trademark Systems
SE
FI
IE
DK
GB
BX FR AT IT
DE
PT
ES GR
EM
®
TM
Three Alternative Routes
Three Alternative Routes
national offices
CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICES: NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
Three Alternative Routes
national offices
CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICES: NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
WIPO: REGISTRATION OF A INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARKS
Three Alternative Routes
national offices
CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICES: NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
WIPO: REGISTRATION OF A INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARKS
OHIM: REGISTRATION OF A COMMUNITY TRADE MARKS
OHIM ALICANTE
SENIORITY
NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
ES:
National trade mark as from 12.6.1980 IT: National trade mark as from 15.11.1981 DE: National trade mark as from 20.4.1985 GR: National trade mark as from 02.7.1996
SENIORITY
NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
ES:
National trade mark as from 12.6.1980 IT: National trade mark as from 15.11.1981 DE: National trade mark as from 20.4.1985 GR: National trade mark as from 02.7.1996
COMMUNITY TRADE MARK COMMUNITY TRADE MARK
as from 10.7.1997
SENIORITY
NATIONAL TRADE MARKS
ES:
National trade mark as from 12.6.1980 IT: National trade mark as from 15.11.1981 DE: National trade mark as from 20.4.1985 GR: National trade mark as from 02.7.1996
COMMUNITY TRADE MARK COMMUNITY TRADE MARK
as from 10.7.1997
FILING OF A COMMUNITY TRADE MARK
ETMAF
APPLICATION FOR A COMMUNITY TRADE MARK ON PAPER
by mail or courier service
by fax
personal delivery
OHIM
NATIONAL OFFICES
LANGUAGES
the OHIM
• • • • • • • • • • •
the European Union
Danish Dutch English Finnish French German Greek Italian Portuguese Spanish Swedish
• English • French • German • Italian • Spanish
EXAMINATION APPLICATION
EUROMARC
Conditions of filing Conditions relating to the entitlement of the proprietor Examination as to formalities
National Offices ES, AT, BX, DK, FI, GB, GR, IE, PT, SE
FORMAL EXAMINATION
SEARCH REPORTS ABSOLUTE GROUNDS PUBLICATION OF APPLICATION
Examination as to absolute grounds of refusal
OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS
PUBLICATION
NO OPPOSITION
OPPOSITION
DECISION ON OPPOSITION
REFUSAL in whole or in part
REGISTRATION • Earlier TM applications or registrations in Member States • Earlier international registrations with effect in at least one of the countries of the EU • Or, earlier CTMs or CTMAs
TYPES OF COMMUNITY TRADE MARKS
1 Trade marks for goods or services 2 Collective trade marks
RIGHTS CONFERRED BY A COMMUNITY TRADE MARK
• of exclusive use of the trade mark; • to prevent the reproduction or imitation of a trade mark; • to transfer a trade mark or to grant licenses for some or all of the goods or services to which the trade mark is registered, in part or the whole of the Community; • to oppose the registration of similar Community or national trade marks which could cause confusion to the consumer.
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
OFFICE FOR HARMONIZATION IN THE INTERNAL MARKET
STATISTICS Technical Cooperation Division
COMMUNITY TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN – 1997 (MORE THAN 1,000 APPLICATIONS) total number of applications: 93,036 Technical Cooperation Division
US DE GB IT ES FR JP NL SE CH DK AT BE OTHER 26.277 15.043 12.506 6.018 5.657 5.016 2.717 2.625 2.133 1.816 1.566 1.465 1.462 8.735 28,24% 16,17% 13,44% 6,47% 6,08% 5,39% 2,92% 2,82% 2,29% 1,95% 1,68% 1,57% 1,57% 9,39%
9,39% 1,57% 1,57% 1,68% 1,95% 2,29% 2,82% 2,92% 28,24%
5,39%
6,08% 6,47% 13,44% 16,17%
Total Registrations, by Country, 1997-2001
40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 BEDK 0 ESFR GR IE IT NL ATPT FI SE LU JPCH DE GB US
EU
COMMUNITY TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS BREAKDOWN BY FIRST LANGUAGE OF APPLICATION
English German
18.151 19,51%
Dutch
10.072 10,83%
6,33%
French
6.347 6,82%
Spanish
6.582 7,07%
Italian
5.996 6,44%
Other
5.890 6,33%
Technical Cooperation Division
39.998 42,99%
6,44% 7,07% 42,99% 6,82%
10,83%
19,51%
COMMUNITY TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS BREAKDOWN BY SECOND LANGUAGE OF APPLICATION
English French Spanish German Italian not specified
Technical Cooperation Division
48.570 52,21%
27.161 29,19%
8.226 8,84%
5.099 5,48%
0,06%
3.925 4,22%
55 0,06%
5,48% 8,84%
4,22%
52,21%
29,19%
APPLICATION BY NUMBER OF CLASSES
Technical Cooperation Division
N° of classes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
N° of applications
39.555 15.236 25.071 5.160 2.788 1.633 949 633
%
42,52% 16,38% 26,95% 5,55% 3,00% 1,76% 1,02% 0,68%
40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
APPLICATIONS BY NATURE
Nature Word Mark Figurative 3D Other Total Number 59.625 31.656 879 876 93.036 % 64,09% 34,03% 0,94% 0,94% 100,00%
Technical Cooperation Division
60.000 50.000 40.000 30.000 20.000 10.000
59.625
31.656
879 0 Word Mark Figurative 3D
876 Other
APPLICATIONS BY DEPOSIT CLASSES
Class number 9 42 16 25 41 35 5 3 7 30 28 N° of applications 26.551 17.568 16.274 13.088 9.213 8.857 7.972 7.264 6.701 6.607 6.274 % 11,66% 7,72% 7,15% 5,75% 4,05% 3,89% 3,50% 3,19% 2,94% 2,90% 2,76%
Technical Cooperation Division
25.000
20.000
15.000
10.000
5.000
0 9 42 16 25 41 35 5 3 7 30 28
Class 9 : Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking , life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; calculating machines; cash registers, data processing equipment and computers; .... Class 42 : Providing of food and drink; temporary accommodation; medical, hygienic and beauty care; veterinary and agricultural services; ... Class 16 : Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; artists materials; ...
FEES (1998)
Basic fee for application (including 3 classes)
Fee for each class exceeding 3 Opposition fee Fee for alteration
INDIVIDUAL MARK ECU US $
975
200 350 200
1,162
238 417 238
Basic fee for registration (including 3 classes)
Fee for each class exceeding 3 Renewal fee Fee for renewal for each class of g/s exceeding 3 classes Fee for invalidity Appeal fee
1,100
200 2,500 500 700 800
1,311
238 2,980 596 834 953
1 ECU=1.19192 US $ (26 October 1998) g/s = goods and services
INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC • Community Trade Mark Bulletin - on paper - on CD-ROM • Official Journal of the Office • Annual Activity Report • Internet: http://oami.eu.int
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
MERCOSUR
• Mercado Comun del Sur • Goals: – Free movement within the common market of goods, services, capital, and labor – common trade policy vis-à-vis other countries – coordination of macroeconomic policies – harmonization of domestic legislation to increase regional integration • Currently substantial variations among trademark protection provided by the four member countries
MERCOSUR
• Protocol for the Harmonization of Regulation of Intellectual Property – adopted 1995 • Member states will abide by TRIPS • National Treatment • Expansive Definition of trademarks, service marks, collective marks • Uniform list of unprotectable marks • Limited prior user rights • Uniform Protection of “Well-known” marks • 10-year term, renewable • Parallel Imports permitted
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Andean Pact
• Decision 486 (2000): Common Intellectual Property Regime (in compliance with TRIPS) • National Treatment and MFN Principles • Separate National Trademark Registries • 6-month priority window for registration in other countries • Andean Opposition • Coexistence of identical or similar marks for competitive goods permitted, provided – the owners reach a “coexistence agreement” – that avoids consumer confusion – registered with national office
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) – APEC (Asia-Pacific) – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Vehicles of International Trademark Protection
• Paris Convention (1883, 1900, 1911, 1925, 1934, 1958, 1967) • Madrid Agreement (1890, 1967) • Madrid Protocol (1989) • Trademark Law Treaty (1996) • TRIPS • Regional Trademark Systems
– Community Trademarks (European Union) – MERCOSUR (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay) – Andean Pact (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) Central American – APEC (Asia-Pacific) Trademark? – ARPIO & OAPI (Africa)
Current Situation in Central America
Separate applications; local counsel; renewals; potential litigation; etc.
Proposal: Regional Trademark System
single application; single local counsel; single renewal system; infringement judgment binding throughout the region
Central-American Trademark would be easier to establish than the European Community Mark
• No language barriers • We could build upon (and improve upon) the European experience • The managers of the OHIM have offered to help design and implement a CentralAmerican system
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations • From the standpoint of the region
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations • From the standpoint of the region – help attract multinational firms
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations • From the standpoint of the region – help attract multinational firms – total costs of the registries would diminish sharply
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations • From the standpoint of the region – help attract multinational firms – total costs of the registries would diminish sharply – the regional registry would be a profit center
Advantages of the Regional System
• From the standpoint of firms: – much simpler and less expensive – easier to police TM violations • From the standpoint of the region – help attract multinational firms – total costs of the registries would diminish sharply – the regional registry would be a profit center – provide a pilot project to test the prospects for general economic integration of Central America