RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE IP/C/W/39
14October 1996
ORGANIZATION(96-4243)
Original: English Council forTrade-Related Aspects
ofIntellectual Property Rights
REVIEW OFLEGISLATION ONTRADEMARKS, GEOGRAPHICAL
INDICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS
Questions posed bytheUnited States
Bymeans ofcommunications fromthePermanent Mission oftheUnited States totheWTO,
dated 3and9October 1996, theSecretariat hasreceived questions thattheUnited States had
communicatedtothefollowingWTOMembersconcerningthereviewofnationalimplementinglegislation
intheareas oftrademarks, geographical indications andindustrial designs:
Page
Australia 2
Canada 3
Czech Republic 3
European Communities andtheirMember States 6
Iceland 25
Japan 26
Liechtenstein 28
NewZealand 29
Norway 30
Poland 32
Slovak Republic 33
South Africa 35
Switzerland 36IP/C/W/39
Page2
AUSTRALIA
1. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Australian law. Ifso,please identify
andexplain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, therelative provisions oftheAustralian
lawthatserve asabasisfortheseexclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
2. Please explain whether Australian trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
3. Please explain howunregistered well-known trademarks areprotected inAustralia, asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
4. Section 100(3)(c) oftheAustralian trademark lawprovides thattheowner ofaregistered mark
thatisinvolved asanopponent inacancellation proceeding canavoid cancellation onthebasisoffailure
tousethemark oruseofthemark ingood faithwhere "circumstances....were anobstacle totheuse
ofthetrademark during" theperiod inquestion. Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould
besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial
decisions addressing thisissue.
5. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inAustralia, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
6. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
7. Please explain how,intheabsence ofanunfair competition statute, Australian lawisconsistent
withTRIPS Article 22.2, which requires that,withrespect togeographical indications, legalmeans
bemade available toprevent anyusewhich constitutes anactofunfair competition within themeaning
ofArticle 10bisoftheParis Convention.
8. Section 92oftheTrade Marks Actof1995 permits removal ofamark from theregister for
non-use atanytimeiftheowner ofthemark didnothaveanintent tousethemark inAustralia. Please
explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS Article 19.1, which provides forcancellation on
thebasis ofsuchnon-use onlywhere thenon-use haspersisted uninterrupted foratleastthree years.IP/C/W/39
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CANADA
1. Please explain whether, inthedetermination ofwhether amarkis“well-known ”under Canadian
law,account istaken ofknowledge ofthemark intherelevant sector ofthepublic andofthemark
inthepublic atlarge. Ifnot,please explain howCanadian lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.2.
2. Pursuant totheCharter oftheFrench Language (1977, Province ofQuebec), marks registered
bybusinesses inQuebec mustbeintheFrench language unless thereisnoFrench language equivalent
forthemark. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS Article 20,which states that
useofatrademark shallnotbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial requirements, suchasuseofthe
mark inaspecial form.
3. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Canadian law,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
4. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inCanada, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
5. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
CZECH REPUBLIC
1. Section 2oftheGeneral Provisions liststhesigns thatcanconstitute atrademark. Thislist
doesnotinclude personal names, numerals, letters orcolours. Please explain howSection 2ofthe
General Provisions complies withTRIPS Article 15.1.
2. TRIPS Article 15.3requires WTO Members topermit thefiling ofanapplication toregister
atrademark priortoactual useofthemark, andfurther specifies thatsuchapplications cannot berefused
solely ontheground thattheintended usehasnotoccurred prior tothree years from thedateof
application. Please explain howCzech lawcomplies withthisprovision oftheTRIPS Agreement.
3. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under thelawoftheCzech Republic. Ifso,IP/C/W/39
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please identify andexplain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, therelative provisions
oftheCzech lawthatserve asabasisforthese exclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS
Article 15.4.
4. Section 13(1) oftheCzech lawprovides foratenyeartermfortrademarks beginning onthe
filing dateoftheapplication, notfrom thedatetheregistration isgranted. Please explain howthis
provision complies withtheobligation ofTRIPS Article 18thatWTO Members provide aminimum
seven yeartermofprotection forregistered trademarks.
5. Please explain whether theowner ofaregistered trademark hastheexclusive righttoprevent
thirdparties from using identical orsimilar signs onsimilar goods orservices asrequired byTRIPS
Article 16.1.
6. Please explain whether thetrademark lawoftheCzech Republic establishes apresumption
oflikelihood ofconfusion inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks
areusedonidentical goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain the
legalbasis forthispresumption.
7. Please explain:
- thestandard used intheCzech Republic fordetermining whether amark is
“well-known ”;
- howregistered andunregistered well-known marks areprotected under thetrademark
lawoftheCzech Republic; and
- whether knowledge within therelevant sector ofthepublic asaresult ofpromotion
ofthemark isconsidered intheanalysis leading toadetermination thatamark is
well-known.
Withrespect toeachaspect ofthisquestion, please explain howthestandards orpractices comply with
TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
8. Section 15(4) oftheCzech lawpermits atrademark owner toaskthecustoms authorities to
withhold theentryofgoods bearing infringing marks. Please explain howthelawoftheCzech Republic
implements andapplies theprovisions regarding border measures found inTRIPS Articles 51to60
withregard tosuchgoods bearing infringing trademarks.
9. Article18(1)oftheCzechtrademarklawspecifiesthatonefactorinthedeterminationofwhether
amark is“wellknown ”isthe“extent orlongduration ofitsutilization forhigh-quality goods or
services ”.Please explain howthisfactor isapplied inpractice and,inparticular, whether the“high
quality ”evaluation canpreclude recognition ofamark aswellknown mark.
10. Section 19(1) oftheCzech lawrequires strict compliance oftheuseofthetrademark inthe
form inwhich itisregistered. Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 2.1,
totheextent itincorporates Article 5C(2) oftheParis Convention, which states thatprotection shall
beafforded tomarks thatmaydiffer from theregistered mark aslongasthedifferences donotalter
thedistinctive character oftheregistered mark.
11. Section 23(1)(b) oftheCzech lawallows marks tobecancelled iftheowner doesnotprovide
a“good reason ”fornon-use. Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 19.1
which requires thatWTO Members recognize certain circumstances thatariseindependently oftheIP/C/W/39
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willofthetrademark owner asbeing validreasons fornon-use toprevent cancellation ofaregistration
fornon-use. Also, please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy this
provision (i.e., “good reasons ”fornon-use), including, where relevant, results ofadministrative or
judicial decisions addressing thisissue.
12. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected intheCzech Republic,
inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
13. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
14. Please indicate whether geographical indications forwines andspirits aregiven additional
protection compared togeographical indications forother goods. Ifnot,please explain howCzech
lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 23.
15. Section 16(3) oftheCzech Trademark Actrequires theowner ofatrademark toacquiesce to
theuseofanidentical orconfusingly similar signwhich, intheperiod oftwoyears before thefiling
oftheapplication, hasbecome characteristic fortheidentical orsimilar goods orservices ofitsholder,
suchusebeing made bythatholder intheCzech Republic. Please explain howthisprovision ofCzech
lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.1, which grants thetrademark owner theexclusive rightto
prevent usebythirdparties ofidentical orsimilar signs ongoods orservices identical toorsimilar
tothose inrespect ofwhich thetrademark isregistered.
16. Section 15(2) oftheCzech Trademark Actgrants theowner ofaregistered mark theauthority
toprevent thirdparties nothaving hisconsent fromusing identical orsimilar marks inrelation togoods
orservices thatareidentical tothose forwhich theregistration hasbeengranted. Itisnotclearwhether
theowner ofaregistered markisalsogiven theserights withrespect togoods orservices thataresimilar
tothose forwhich registration hasbeengranted. Please explain whether suchauthority isgranted
under Czech law,andifnot,howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.1.
17. Section 7(4)oftheCzech Trademark Actprovides thatcollective marks mayonlybeused
inconjunction withanindividual mark orwiththename ofalegalperson insuchawaythattheorigin
ofthegoods thusmarked shallbeclear. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS
Article 20,which provides thattheuseofatrademark shallnotbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial
requirements, suchasusewithanother trademark oruseinaspecial form.IP/C/W/39
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EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
1. PleaseexplaintherelationshipbetweentheFirstCouncilDirectiveoftheCounciloftheEuropean
Communities relating totrademarks (89/104/EEC), Council Regulations No.40/94 and3288/94 and
theEuropean Commission Regulations, ontheonehand, andthelawsoftheMember States ofthe
European Communities, ontheother hand, withregard to:
- subject matter thatcanberegistered asatrademark;
- procedures forregistration andcancellation ofregistered marks, either intheform
ofaCommunity trademark orasanationally registered mark; and
- enforcement procedures andremedies forCommunity trademarks andnationally
registered marks.
2. PleaseexplainhowvariancesbetweenprovisionsinEuropeanCouncilDirectivesandRegulations
andnational legislation intheMember States areresolved.
3. Article 4oftheFirstCouncil Directive andArticle 4oftheCouncil Regulation 40/94 setforth
thetypes ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing registered asatrademark. Thelistofsigns doesnotinclude
colour marks. Please explain whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under this
provision oftheCouncil Directive, andifnot,please explain howsuchprotection ismade available
under European Community jurisprudence.
4. Please indicate whether anyprovisions ofDirectives orRegulations oftheCouncil ofthe
European Communities orEuropean Commission Regulations address theissue ofobstacles tothe
registration ofamark deriving from thenature ofthegoods orservices sought tobeprotected. If
so,please identify andexplain thesubject matter thatisexcluded fromregistration under suchauthority,
andtherelevant provisions ofthese Directives andRegulations thatserve asabasisfortheexclusions.
5. Please indicate whether anyprovisions ofDirectives orRegulations oftheCouncil ofthe
EuropeanCommunitiesorEuropeanCommissionRegulationsaddresstheissueoflikelihoodofconfusion.
Ifso,please explain whether under suchauthority Community lawprovides apresumption oflikelihood
ofconfusion where anidentical signisusedonidentical goods, asisrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1.
Please identify andexplain thelegalbasis andrationale forthenoted presumption under therelevant
lawsorregulations.
6. Please indicate whether anyprovisions ofDirectives orRegulations oftheCouncil ofthe
European Communities orEuropean Commission Regulations address theissue ofdetermination of
whether amark is“wellknown. ”Ifso,please explain thestandard thatistobeusedunder such
authority fordetermining whether amark iswell-known, pursuant toTRIPS Article 16.2.
7. Please indicate whether anyprovisions ofDirectives orRegulations oftheCouncil ofthe
European Communities orEuropean Commission Regulations address theissueofwellknown marks
inthecontext ofTRIPS Article 16.3. Inparticular, please indicate whether suchauthority ensures
thattheowner ofawell-known mark isprotected against theuseofitsmark ondissimilar goods or
services iftheuseindicates aconnection between thegoods orservices andtheowner ofthewell-known
mark islikely tobedamaged bytheunauthorized useofthemark.IP/C/W/39
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8. Article 15(1) oftheCouncil Regulations establishing theCommunity trademark allows the
proprietor ofatrademark topresent “proper reasons fornon-use ”ofatrademark toprevent cancellation
oftheregistration ofthemark onthebasisof“non-use. ”Please explain thecircumstances orsituations
thatwould constitute “proper reasons ”sufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant,
information regarding administrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
9. Please indicate whether design protection issubject toanyCommunity-wide legislation, and
ifso,pleasedescribethemethodsbywhichindustrialdesignsareprotectedintheEuropeanCommunities,
inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under European Community law.
11. InSection 8.2ofitsNotice toApplicants, theEuropean Medicines Evaluation Agency, which
isresponsible forthecentralized medicinal product registrations covering alloftheEuropean Union,
indicates thatonlyasingle trademark willbeapproved foreachproduct thatisgranted amarketing
authorization. Please explain howthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 20,which provides that
theuseofatrademark inthecourse oftrade shall notbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial
requirements.
12. Please explain whether andhow, under relevant European Community directives, lawsor
regulations, trademarks existing prior totheentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement areprotected
against appropriation fromactions incident torecognition ofageographical indication. Ifnot,please
explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 24.5.
13. Please explain whether, under Article 8(5)oftheCouncil Regulation No.40/94, inthe
determination ofwhether atrademark hasa“reputation ”intheCommunity, account istaken of
knowledge ofthetrademark intherelevant sector ofthepublic, including knowledge obtained asa
result ofpromotion ofthetrademark, andhowthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.2.
AUSTRIA
1. Articles 1(1)and16(2) oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawindicate that“special signs”
andfigures, letters, words, pictorial forms andcharacters arecapable ofbeing registered astrademarks.IP/C/W/39
Page8
Thelistdoesnotinclude certain types ofsigns, suchascolours, combinations ofcolours, oralpha-
numeric marks. Please explain whether these types ofsigns arecapable ofconstituting atrademark
under Austrian lawand,ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withArticle 15.1ofthe
TRIPS Agreement.
2. Article 3oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawappears tocondition theregistration of
amark forgoods andservices onthemark being produced intheapplicant ’senterprise orinthe
enterprise oftheacquirer. Thisprovision doesnotappear totakeintoaccount thepractice ofmany
modern businesses ofhaving goods produced byothers under contract, suchgoods thenbeing sold
bearing thetrademark. Please explain whether thisprovision applies tosuchsituations, andhowit
iscompatible withSection 2ofPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement, Articles 15.4and20inparticular.
3. Article 4(1)4 oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawmakes unregistrable signs “which
contain matter liable tocause annoyance orotherwise infringe public order... ”Please provide examples
ofsigns thatfallwithin thisprohibition andexplain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS
Article 15.1.
4. Article 10oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawstates thattherighttoamark doesnot
preclude another enterprise fromusing thesamesigntodistinguish “other”kinds ofgoods andservices.
Please explain whether usebyathirdparty ofthesame orasimilar signforother kinds ofgoods or
services canbeprevented bytheowner ofamark where suchusewould suggest thataconnection
exists between those goods orservices andtheowner ofthemark andwould cause injury tothatowner.
Ifthisisnotpossible, please explain howthisprovision ofAustrian lawcomplies withTRIPS
Article 16.1.
5. Article 14oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawspecifies that“signs”willbetreated
assimilar ifthere isa“likelihood ofconfusion intrade”.Please explain howthedetermination of
“likelihood ofconfusion intrade”ismade, andinparticular withregard togoods orservices. Please
explain howthisstandard differs from thelikelihood ofconfusion standard embodied inTRIPS
Article 16.1.
6. Article31oftheAustrianTrademarkProtectionLawauthorizesapersontoapplyforcancellation
ofamark foridentical orsimilar goods orservices onhisownonthebasis ofanunregistered mark
thatisrecognized inthetradeasdistinctive ofhisenterprise ’sgoods orservices atthetimethecontested
mark wasfiled. Thesection doesnotappear toauthorize suchachallenge where thegoods orservices
arenotsimilar tothose oftheparty thatischallenging theregistered mark. Please explain howaparty
would challenge theregistration ofamark fordissimilar goods orservices where thatmark “would
indicate aconnection between those goods orservices andtheowner oftheregistered trademark ”and
wouldlikelycausedamagetothechallengingparty,asrequiredbyArticle16.3oftheTRIPSAgreement.
7. Article33apermitscancellationofamarkfornon–useafterithasbeenregisteredforaminimum
offiveyears. Subparagraph (2)thenprecludes suchcancellation incases inwhich theowner canjustify
suchnon–usebecause of“statutory restrictions ontrade inthegoods orservices ...ifitisrecognized
thataworthwhile interest exists ingiving protection inAustria inviewofserious useofthesignabroad
orforother reasons worthy ofconsideration ”.Please explain thetypes ofactions thatfallwithin this
definition, providing examples, ifpossible, ofsituations where thisauthority hasbeenapplied, including
results ofrelevant administrative orjudicial proceedings.
8. Article 55oftheAustrian Trademark Protection Lawpermits aninjunction tobeissued against
useofamark thathasbeenregistered formore thanfiveyears butonlyifitisproven thatnogrounds
forcancellation onthegrounds ofnon–useexist. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent with
Article 16.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/39
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9. Please explain howwell-known marks pertaining toservices areprotected under Austrian law
consistent withtherequirements ofArticle 16.2.
10. Please explain howAustria provides protection forwell-known marks relating toservices, as
isrequired byTRIPS Article 16.2. Inaddition, please explain whether knowledge ofthetrademark
intherelevant sector ofthepublic istaken intoconsideration, including knowledge obtained asaresult
ofpromotion ofthemark, andhowtheAustrian practice conforms toTRIPS Article 16.2.
11. Please explain whether registrations oftrademarks forwines orspirits which contain orconsist
ofageographical indication arerefused orinvalidated withrespect tosuchwines orspirits nothaving
thisorigin, andhowthispractice isconsidered consistent withTRIPS Article 23.2.
12. Please explain whether trademarks existing priortotheentry intoforceoftheWTO Agreement
areprotected against appropriation fromactions incident torecognition ofageographical indication.
Ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 24.5.
13. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inAustria, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
14. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
BELGIUM
1. Article 1oftheuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries setsforth thetypes
ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing protected asatrademark. Thislistofsigns doesnotinclude colour
marks. Please indicate whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under theuniform
lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries, andifso,under whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Belgian orBenelux trademark law. If
so,pleaseidentifyandexplainthesubjectmatterexcludedundertheauthority,andtherelativeprovisions
ofsuchlawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.IP/C/W/39
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3. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries provides
fortheacceptance ofapplications toregister atrademark based onanintent tousethemark pursuant
toTRIPS Article 15.3. Please explain therequirements andconditions thatareplaced onparties wishing
toregister andmaintain applications ofamark based onanintent tousethemark.
4. Article5(2)(a)oftheuniformlawgoverningmarksintheBeneluxcountriesallowstheproprietor
ofatrademark topresent “validreasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark.
Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including,
where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing theissue.
5. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected intheBenelux countries,
asrequired byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
6. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided under either the
uniformlawgoverningmarksintheBeneluxcountriesorBelgianlawsorregulationsinthedetermination
ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical goods, asrequired byTRIPS
Article 16.1. Ifso,please provide anindication ofthebasis forthispresumption.
7. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries imposes
timelimits onactions tocancel trademark registrations thathavebeenobtained bymeans offraud or
badfaith.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Belgian law,asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inBelgium, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
DENMARK
1. Article 1oftheDanish Trademarks Actspecifies that“persons andenterprises ”areeligible
toobtain atrademark, butthattrademarks arelimited to“distinctive signs ...being usedorintendedIP/C/W/39
Page11
tobeusedbyacommercial enterprise ”.Thisprovision implies thatnon-profit orother non-commercial
enterprises thatprovide goods orservices cannot obtain trademark rights. Please explain whether this
isacorrect interpretation oftheDanish law,andifso,howthiscomplies withtheobligation inTRIPS
Article 15.4which specifies thatthenature ofthegoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
cannot serve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark.
2. TheDanish trademark lawsetsforththetypes ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing protected as
atrademark. Thislistofsigns doesnotinclude colour marks. Please indicate whether colour marks
arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Denmark ’strademark law,andifso,under whatauthority.
3. TheDanish Trademarks Actrequires thatamark beusedintheforminwhich itwasregistered,
oraform thatdoesnotsignificantly differ from theform inwhich itwasregistered. Please explain
howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 20,which provides thattheuseofatrademark shall
notbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial requirements, suchasuseinaspecial form.
4. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected inDenmark, asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
5. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided through Danish
lawinthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
6. Article25(1)oftheDanishlawpermitstheproprietorofatrademarktopresent“properreasons”
forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances
thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant, results ofadministrative
orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
7. Please explain whether theDanish trademark lawimposes timelimits onactions tocancel
trademark registrations thathavebeenobtained bymeans offraud orbadfaith.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under theDanish law,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inDenmark, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
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FINLAND
1. Article 1oftheFinnish trademark lawsetsforth thetypes ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing
protected asatrademark. Thislistofsigns doesnotinclude colour marks. Please indicate whether
colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Finland ’strademark law,andifso,under
whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Finnish law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, therelative provisions oftheFinnish lawthat
serve asabasis forthese exclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
3. Article 26oftheFinnish trademark lawallows theproprietor ofatrademark topresent “proper
reasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain thetypes of
circumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant, results of
administrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
4. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected inFinland, asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
5. TRIPS Article 20provides thattheuseofatrademark shallnotbeencumbered byspecial
requirements. However, Article 10oftheFinnish trademark lawstates that“itmaybedecided where
reasonable, that...thetrade symbols mayonlybeusedinaspecific manner ”incertain situations
where aregistered trademark hasco-existed withanunregistered trademark foraperiod oftime. Please
explain howthisprovision ofFinnish lawcomplies withTRIPS Article 20.
6. PleaseexplainwhetherFinnishtrademarklawestablishesapresumptionoflikelihoodofconfusion
inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedonidentical goods,
asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasisforthispresumption,
andexplain theroleofArticle 14.6oftheFinnish lawinthisregard.
7. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Finland ’slaw,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
8. TheEuropean Council Regulation ontheprotection ofgeographical indications anddesignations
oforigin specifically excludes protection forwines andspirits. Inviewofthis,please explain how
Finland protects geographical indications foruseonwines andspirits inaccordance withTRIPS
Article 23.Please explain whether Finland hasimplemented anylawsorregulations tocomply with
therequirements ofanyrelevant Council Regulations.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inFinland, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;IP/C/W/39
Page13
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
FRANCE
1. Please explain whether France provides fortheacceptance ofapplications toregister atrademark
based onanintent tousethemark consistent withTRIPS Article 15.3. Please explain therequirements
andconditions thatareplaced onparties wishing toregister andmaintain applications ofamark based
onanintent tousethemark.
2. Article 712-1 oftheFrench Industrial Property lawprovides a10yeartermfortrademarks
beginning onthefiling dateoftheapplication, rather thanfrom thedatetheregistration isgranted .
Please explain howthisprovision complies withtheobligation ofTRIPS Article 18thatWTO Members
provide atermofprotection ofnotlessthanseven years forregistered trademarks.
3. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided intheFrench law
inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical goods,
asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please provide anindication ofthebasisforthispresumption.
4. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected inFrance, asrequired by
TRIPS Article 16.2and16.3.
5. Article 716-8 oftheFrench Industrial Property Lawprovides trademark owners anopportunity
toapply tothecustoms authorities forenforcement andallows forcustoms detentions ofsuspect goods
for10working days. Please explain whether thetrademark owner isafforded anopportunity toseek
customs detention ofsuspected counterfeit goods foranadditional 10working daysinaccordance with
TRIPS Article 55.
6. Article 714-5 oftheFrench Industrial Property Lawpermits theproprietor ofatrademark to
present “good reasons ”forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain the
types ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant,
results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
7. Please explain whether Article 2ofLawNo.94665 restricts theuseofmarks thatdonotutilize
theFrench language. Ifrestrictions ontheuseofnon-French language marks areimposed, please
explain howthese restrictions areconsistent withTRIPS Article 20,which provides thattheuseof
atrademark shallnotbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial requirements, suchasuseinaspecial
form.
8. Please explain whether registrations oftrademarks forwines orspirits which contain orconsist
ofageographical indication arerefused orinvalidated withrespect tosuchwines orspirits nothaving
thisorigin, andhowthispractice isconsidered consistent withTRIPS Article 23.2.IP/C/W/39
Page14
9. Please explain whether trademarks existing priortotheentry intoforceoftheWTO Agreement
areprotected against appropriation fromactions incident torecognition ofageographical indication.
Ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 24.5.
10. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inFrance, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
11. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
GERMANY
1. Please explain whether thenature ofthegoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under German law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, andtherelative provisions oftheGerman
lawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
2. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided through German
lawinthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
3. Please explain thestandard under theGerman trademark lawsthatisusedtodetermine whether
amark iswell-known andhowthisstandard isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.2. Please indicate
whether knowledge ofthemark intherelevant sector ofthepublic andknowledge inGermany which
isobtained asaresult ofthepromotion ofthemark arefactors thatareconsidered inapplication of
thisstandard.
4. Article 26(1) oftheGerman Trademark Actallows theproprietor ofatrademark topresent
“proper reasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain the
types ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant,
results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
5. Please explain whether Article 14(2) oftheGerman Trademark Actprovides protection for
well-known marks applied togoods orservices thatarenotsimilar totrademarks thatareregisteredIP/C/W/39
Page15
provided theuseofthewell-known markwould indicate aconnection between those goods andservices.
Ifnot,please explain howthisprovision ofGerman lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.3.
6. PleaseexplainwhetherArticle8(2)oftheGermanTrademarkActguaranteesadditionalprotection
forgeographical indications forwines andspirits compared togeographical indications forother goods
orservices. Ifnot,please explain howthisArticle isconsistent withTRIPS Article 23.2.
7. TheEuropean Council Regulation ontheprotection ofgeographical indications anddesignations
oforigin specifically excludes protection forwines andspirits. Inviewofthis,please explain how
Germany protects geographical indications foruseonwines andspirits inaccordance withTRIPS
Article 23.
8. Please explain whether theopposition procedures under Article 132oftheGerman Trademark
Actprovide adequate protection fortrademarks existing prior totheentry intoforce oftheWTO
Agreement against appropriation from actions incident torecognition ofageographical indication.
Ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 24.5.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inFrance, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
IRELAND
1. Section 6oftheIrishTrademarks Actsetsforth thetypes ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing
protected asatrademark, noting thata“trade mark means anysigncapable ofbeing represented
graphically... ”Thelistofsigns noted insection 6(2)doesnotinclude colour marks. Please explain
whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Irishlawand,ifso,under what
authority.
2. Section 7(2)oftheIrishtrademark lawstates thattheowner ofanunregistered trademark cannot
recover damages forinfringement. Please explain howthisprovision complies withtherequirements
setforth inTRIPS Article 16.IP/C/W/39
Page16
3. Please explain whether Irishtrademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion
inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedonidentical goods,
asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasisforthispresumption.
4. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Irishlaw.Ifso,please identify andexplain
thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions oftheIrishlawthatserve as
abasis forthese exclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
5. Please explain thestandard under Irish lawthatisusedtodetermine whether amark is
well-known, consistent withTRIPS Article 16.2.
6. Please explain howunregistered well-known trademarks areprotected inIreland, asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
7. Section 51(1) oftheIrishTrademarks Actpermits theproprietor ofatrademark topresent
“proper reasons ”forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain thetypes
ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant, results
ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Ireland ’slaw,asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inIreland, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
11. Sections 8(3)and8(4)oftheTrade Marks Actstatethatwhere goods areprohibited bypublic
policy orlawother thanthetrademark law,registration ofatrademark withrespect tosuchgoods
shallberefused. Please explain howthese provisions ofIrishlawcomply withTRIPS Article 15.4,
which specifies thatthenature ofthegoods orservices towhich atrademark applies cannot serve as
anobstacle toregistration ofatrademark.
12. Please explain how,intheabsence ofanunfair competition statute, Irishlawisconsistent with
TRIPSArticle22.2,whichrequiresthatwithrespecttogeographicalindications,legalmeansbeprovidedIP/C/W/39
Page17
toprevent anyusewhich constitutes anactofunfair competition within themeaning ofArticle 10bis
oftheParis Convention.
ITALY
1. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided through Italian
lawinthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
2. TRIPS Article 20states thatuseofatrademark shallnotbeencumbered byspecial requirements
suchasusewithanother trademark. However, Article 12oftheItalian lawstates that“amerchant
mayaffixhisownmark tothegoods heputsonsale,butmaynotremove themark oftheproducer
ormerchant from whom hehasreceived theproducts orgoods ”.Please explain howthisprovision
ofItalian lawcomplies withTRIPS Article 20.
3. Article 16ofItaly’strademark lawsetsforththetypeofsignthatiscapable ofbeing protected
asatrademark. Please explain whether acolour, asdistinguished from “colour combinations or
tonalities ”areregistrable astrademarks under Italian trademark law,asrequired byTRIPS Article 15.1.
4. Please explain whether thenature ofthegoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Italian law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, andtherelative provisions oftheItalian law
thatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
5. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected inItaly, asrequired byTRIPS
Articles 16.2and16.3.
6. Article 42(1) oftheItalian trademark lawallows theproprietor ofatrademark topresent
“legitimate reasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain
thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant,
results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
7. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Italy’slaw,asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 22and23.
8. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inItaly, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;IP/C/W/39
Page18
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
9. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
LUXEMBOURG
1. Article 1oftheuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries setsforth thetypes
ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing protected asatrademark. Thislistofsigns doesnotinclude colour
marks. Please indicate whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under theuniform
lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries, andifso,under whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under either Benelux trademark lawor
Luxembourg trademark laws. Ifso,please identify andexplain thesubject matter excluded under the
authority, andtherelative provisions ofsuchlawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
3. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries provides
fortheacceptance ofapplications toregister atrademark based onanintent tousethemark pursuant
toTRIPS Article 15.3. Please explain therequirements andconditions thatareplaced onparties wishing
toregister andmaintain applications ofamark based onanintent tousethemark.
4. Article5(2)(a)oftheuniformlawgoverningmarksintheBeneluxcountriesallowstheproprietor
ofatrademark topresent “validreasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark.
Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including,
where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing theissue.
5. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected intheBenelux countries,
asrequired byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
6. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided under either the
uniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries orLuxembourg lawsorregulations inthe
determination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical goods, as
required byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please provide anindication ofthebasisforthispresumption.
7. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries imposes
timelimits onactions tocancel trademark registrations thathavebeenobtained bymeans offraud or
badfaith.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Luxembourg law,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.IP/C/W/39
Page19
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected intheLuxembourg, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
NETHERLANDS
1. Article 1oftheuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries setsforth thetypes
ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing protected asatrademark. Thislistofsigns doesnotinclude colour
marks. Please indicate whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under theuniform
lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries, andifso,under whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Dutch orBenelux trademark law. If
so,pleaseidentifyandexplainthesubjectmatterexcludedundertheauthority,andtherelativeprovisions
ofsuchlawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
3. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries provides
fortheacceptance ofapplications toregister atrademark based onanintent tousethemark pursuant
toTRIPS Article 15.3. Please explain therequirements andconditions thatareplaced onparties wishing
toregister andmaintain applications ofamark based onanintent tousethemark.
4. Article5(2)(a)oftheuniformlawgoverningmarksintheBeneluxcountriesallowstheproprietor
ofatrademark topresent “validreasons ”tojustify continued registration despite non-use ofatrademark.
Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including,
where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing theissue.
5. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected intheBenelux countries,
asrequired byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
6. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided under either the
uniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries orDutch lawsorregulations inthedeterminationIP/C/W/39
Page20
ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical goods, asrequired byTRIPS
Article 16.1. Ifso,please provide anindication ofthebasis forthispresumption.
7. Please explain whether theuniform lawgoverning marks intheBenelux countries imposes
timelimits onactions tocancel trademark registrations thathavebeenobtained bymeans offraud or
badfaith.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Dutch law,asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected intheNetherlands, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
PORTUGAL
1. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Portuguese trademark law.Ifso,please
identify andexplain thesubject matter excluded under theauthority, andtherelative provisions ofsuch
lawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
2. Please explain whether circumstances arising independently ofthewilloftheowner ofa
trademark andwhich constitute anobstacle totheuseofthetrademark (e.g., import restrictions or
other governmental regulations) canserve asavalidreason forpreventing cancellation ofregistration
ofamark. Ifsuchreasons arenotrecognized, please explain howPortuguese lawisconsistent with
TRIPS Article 19.1.
3. Please explain howunregistered well-known marks areprotected inPortugal, asrequired by
TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.IP/C/W/39
Page21
4. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided under Portuguese
lawinthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify thebasisforthislegalpresumption.
5. PleaseexplainthestandardunderthePortuguesetrademarklawthatisusedtodeterminewhether
amark iswell-known andhowthisstandard isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.2. Please indicate
whether knowledge ofthemark intherelevant sector ofthepublic andknowledge inPortugal which
isobtained asaresult ofthepromotion ofthemark arefactors thatareconsidered inapplication of
thisstandard.
6. Portuguese lawappears toprovide protection forwell-known marks intheformofpreclusion
against registration byanother ofanidentical orsimilar mark forgoods orservices notsimilar tothose
forwhich registration ofthemark issought. ItisnotclearthatPortuguese lawprotects against use
byathirdparty ofsuchamark. Please explain whether thirdparties arepermitted touseawell-known
mark without theconsent oftheowner ofthemark, andhowPortuguese practice isconsistent with
TRIPS Article 16.3.
7. Under Portuguese law,ifatrademark license isnotrecorded, usebythelicensee maynotbe
recognized asuseofthetrademark forpurposes ofmaintaining registration ofthemark. Please explain
howthisaspect ofPortuguese lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 19.2.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Portuguese law,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inPortugal, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
SPAIN
1. Section 2ofSpain’sTrademark Lawsetsforth thetypes ofsigns thatarecapable ofbeing
registered asatrademark. Thelistofsignsdoesnotinclude colour marks. Additionally, Section 11(g)
specifically prohibits theregistration ofcolour “initself”unless thecolour isdefined byagiven form.IP/C/W/39
Page22
GiventhesetwoSections,pleaseexplainhowSpanishlawimplementsTRIPSArticle15.1whichprovides
thatregistrable signs mayconsist ofcombinations ofcolours.
2. Section 4(1)oftheSpanish Trademark Lawpermits theproprietor ofatrademark topresent
“reasons justifying thenon-use ofamark”insupport ofcontinued registration despite non-use ofa
trademark. Please explain thecircumstances orsituations thatareconsidered sufficient tosatisfy this
provision, including, where relevant, anyinformation regarding administrative orjudicial decisions
addressing thisissue.
3. Please explain whether Section 31oftheSpanish Trademark Lawprovides apresumption of
likelihood ofconfusion inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatare
usedonidentical goods, asisrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifnot,please explain whatother basis
oftheSpanish trademark lawprovides thispresumption.
4. Please explain howSpanish lawpermits theowner ofawell-known mark toprevent theuse
ofaregistered mark ondissimilar goods orservices ifitcanbeestablished thattheuseindicates a
connection between thedissimilar goods orservices andtheowner ofthewell-known mark andwhere
theowner islikely tobedamaged bytheuse,asspecified inTRIPS Article 16.3.
5. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Spanish law. Ifso,please identify and
explainthesubjectmatterexcludedunderthisauthority,therelativeprovisionsoftheSpanishTrademark
Lawthatserve asabasisfortheseexclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
6. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Spanish law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, andtherelative provisions oftheSpanish
lawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
7. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inSpain, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
8. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
Page23
SWEDEN
1. Article 1oftheSwedish Trademark Lawsetsforth thetypeofsignthatiscapable ofbeing
protected asatrademark. Thelistofsigns doesnotinclude colour marks. Please explain whether
colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Sweden ’strademark lawandifsounder
whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether theSwedish trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
3. TRIPS Article 20states thatuseofatrademark shallnotbeencumbered byspecial requirements
suchasuseinaspecial form. However, Article 10oftheSwedish Trademark Lawstates that“itmay
according towhatisconsidered reasonable, beordered that...thesymbols maybeusedonlyina
special manner ”incertain situations where aregistered trademark hasco-existed withanunregistered
trademark foraperiod oftime. Please explain howSwedish lawcomplies withTRIPS Article 20.
4. Article 25aoftheSwedish Trademark Lawpermits theproprietor ofatrademark topresent
“proper reasons ”forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain the
circumstances orsituations thatwould constitute “proper reasons ”sufficient tosatisfy thisprovision,
including, where relevant, information regarding administrative orjudicial decisions addressing this
issue.
5. PleaseexplainwhetherSwedishlawpermitsorprecludestheassignmentofaregisteredtrademark
without thetransfer oftheunderlying business. Ifitprecludes theassignment ofaregistered trademark
where theunderlying business isnottransferred withthemark, please explain howthiscomplies with
theprovisions ofTRIPS Article 21.
6. Please explain howSweden protects well-known marks asrequired byTRIPS Articles 16.2
and16.3, particularly where suchmarks arenotregistered inSweden.
7. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Sweden ’slaw,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
8. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Swedish law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, therelative provisions oftheSwedish law
thatserve asabasis forthese exclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inSweden, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;IP/C/W/39
Page24
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
11. Section 3oftheSwedish Trademarks Act,itappears, requires aperson tohavetherightto
bearasurname inorder toregister thatname asatrademark. Please explain howthisprovision is
consistent withTRIPS Article 15.1.
12. Section 25oftheSwedish Trademarks Actrequires thatamark mustbeusedintheregistered
form orinaform “where thedifference concerns onlyinsignificant elements anddoesnotalterthe
distinctivecharacterofthemark”.PleaseexplainhowthisprovisionisconsistentwithTRIPSArticle20,
whichprovidesthattheuseofatrademarkshallnotbeunjustifiablyencumberedbyspecialrequirements,
suchasuseofthemark inaspecial form.
UNITED KINGDOM
1. Part2,Article 56(3) oftheUnited Kingdom Trade Marks Actappears topermit theuseof
awell-known mark, byother thantheproprietor ofthemark, iftheusebegan prior tothepassage
ofthecurrent law. Please explain whether thisisanaccurate understanding ofthisprovision, and,
ifso,howthisisconsistent withTRIPS Article 2,totheextent itincorporates Article 6bisoftheParis
Convention, andTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
2. Please explain howwell-known marks usedbythirdparties prior totheTrade Marks Actof
1993areprotected intheUnited Kingdom, andhowUnited Kingdom lawinthisregard complies with
therequirements ofArticle 16oftheTRIPS agreement.
3. Theprovision forwell-known marks inPart1,Article 6(c)oftheUnited Kingdom Trade Marks
Actdoesnotspecify thattherenown ofthemark bedetermined bytaking intoaccount therelevant
sector ofthepublic andknowledge obtained through thepromotion ofthemark, asisrequired bythe
TRIPS Agreement. Please explain whether thisstandard isestablished byregulation orthrough case
law,andifneither, howthelawoftheUnited Kingdom canbeconsidered consistent withTRIPS
Article 16.2.
4. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected intheUnited Kingdom,
inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;IP/C/W/39
Page25
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
5. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
ICELAND
1. Please explain whether thenature ofthegoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Iceland ’slaw. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, andtherelative provisions ofIceland ’slaw
thatserve asabasis forthese exclusions.
2. Please explain whether Iceland ’strademark lawpermits thefiling ofanapplication toregister
atrademark based onanintention tousethemark, rather thanuponabasisofactual use.Ifnot,please
explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 15.3.
3. Itisunclear whether Iceland ’strademark lawpermits registration ofcolour marks. Please
indicate whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Iceland ’strademark law
and,ifso,under whatauthority.
4. Article 1ofIceland ’sTrademark Actstates thattrademarks mayconsist ofsymbols thatcan
beprinted. Please explain whether trademarks thatarevisually perceptible butwhich arenotprinted
canberegistered.
5. Please explain whether apresumption oflikelihood ofconfusion isprovided through Iceland ’s
lawinthedetermination ofconfusing similarity involving identical marks thatareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
6. Please explain ifIceland ’slawprotects trademarks inaccordance withTRIPS Article 16.3and,
ifso,identify theprovision thatprovides thisprotection.
7. Article 25aofIceland ’sTrademark Actpermits theproprietor ofatrademark topresent “valid
reasons ”forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain thetypes of
circumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including, where relevant, results of
administrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
8. PleaseexplainwhetherIceland’strademarklawimposestimelimitsonactionstocanceltrademark
registrations thathavebeenobtained bymeans offraud orbadfaith.
9. TRIPS Article 20provides thattheuseofatrademark shallnotbeencumbered byspecial
requirements. However, Article 10ofIceland ’sTrademark Actstates thatunder certain circumstances
“marks maybeusedonlyinaspecial manner, forexample inaparticular design orwiththeaddition
ofaplace name ....”Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 20.IP/C/W/39
Page26
10. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under theIcelandic law,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
11. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inFrance, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
12. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
JAPAN
1. Please explain whether Section 2(1)oftheJapanese Trademark Lawpermits registration of
personal names asa“sign”andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.1.
2 Please explain whether, under Japanese law,colours canberegistered without accompanying
figurative elements, asrequired byTRIPS Article 15.1.
3. Please explain whether Section 5oftheJapanese Trademark Lawprovides fortheacceptance
ofapplications toregister atrademark based onanintent tousethemarkpursuant toTRIPS Article 15.3.
Pleaseexplaintherequirementsandconditionsthatareplacedonpartieswishingtoregisterandmaintain
registration ofamark based onanintent tousethemark.
4. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Japanese law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions oftheJapanese law
thatserve asabasis forthese exclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
5. Please explain whether marks thatarenoteligible forregistration because theyare“similar
to”registered marks areevaluated using a“likelihood ofconfusion ”standard orusing ananalysis based
solely onwhether themarks aresimilar without regard tothegoods orservices involved. Please provide
information regarding anyrelevant decisions ofadministrative orjudicial bodies thataddress thisissue.
6. Please explain whether andupon what authority under Japanese lawatrademark examiner
canrefuse anapplication toregister atrademark because theproposed mark isidentical orsimilar to
anunregistered well-known mark.IP/C/W/39
Page27
7. Please explain whether Japanese trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
8. Please explain howSection 24(6) oftheJapanese Trademark Law, which requires trademarks
owned bynon-profit entities tobetransferred onlywiththetransfer oftheenterprise, iscompatible
withTRIPS Article 21.
9. Please explain whether Section 47oftheJapanese Trademark Lawprecludes aperson from
obtaining cancellation ofafraudulently obtained registration inrelation tothecriteria specified in
Section 47morethanfiveyears afterregistration. Ifitdoes, please explain howthisprovision complies
withtherequirements ofArticle 2.1oftheTRIPS Agreement, totheextent itincorporates Article 6bis(3)
oftheParis Convention, which precludes WTO Members from placing timelimits onrequests for
cancellation ofmarks thatwere registered orusedinbadfaith.
10. Please explain whether theauthority specified inSection 53bisoftheJapanese Trademark Law
todemand atrialforcancellation ofamark obtained inbadfaithissubject tothefive-year limitation
specified inSection 53ter.Ifso,please explain howSections 53bisand53tercomply withArticle 2.1
oftheTRIPS Agreement totheextent thatitincorporates Article 6bis(3)oftheParisConvention, which
precludes WTO Members from placing timelimits onrequests forcancellation ofmarks thatwere
registered orusedinbadfaith.
11. Please explain howthestandards ofSection 50(2) oftheJapanese Trademark Lawregarding
theacceptance of“legitimate reasons ”fornon-use complies withtheprovisions ofTRIPS Article 19.1
which requires thatWTO Members recognize certain circumstances thatariseindependently ofthe
willofthetrademark owner asbeing validreasons fornon-use toprevent cancellation ofaregistration
fornon-use.
12. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inJapan, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
13. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
Page28
LIECHTENSTEIN
1. Please indicate whether signsthatconsist ofwords, personal names, letters, numerals, figurative
elements, colours orcombinations thereof canconstitute atrademark, and,ifso,thelegalauthority
forthisconclusion.
2. Please explain howthetrademark lawofLiechtenstein permits theregistration oftrademarks
forservices, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.2. Please identify therelevant legalauthority insupport
ofthisexplanation.
3. Please explain whether thetrademark lawofLiechtenstein permits thefiling ofanapplication
toregister atrademark based onanintention tousethemark, rather thanupon abasis ofactual use.
Ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 15.3.
4. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under thetrademark lawofLiechtenstein. If
so,please identify andexplain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions
ofthelawthatserve asabasis forthese exclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS
Article 15.4.
5. Please explain thestandard thatisusedunder thetrademark lawofLiechtenstein fordetermining
alikelihood ofconfusion, andthelegalbasis forthisstandard.
6. PleaseexplainthestandardusedinLiechtensteinfordeterminingwhetheramarkis“well-known”
andhowregistered andunregistered well-known marks areprotected under thetrademark lawof
Liechtenstein. Please explain howthisstandard andpractices comply withTRIPS Articles 16.2and
16.3.
7. PleaseexplainwhetherthetrademarklawofLiechtensteinestablishesapresumptionoflikelihood
ofconfusion inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedon
identical goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis
forthispresumption.
8. Please explain whether theinitial termandeachrenewal termforatrademark registration in
Liechtenstein lastsatleastseven years asrequired byTRIPS Article 18.
9. Please explain thestandards andprocedures thatgovern cancellation ofregistration ofamark
for“non-use ”under thetrademark lawofLiechtenstein, andhowthisstandard complies withTRIPS
Article 19.
10. Please explain theprocedures governing cancellation ofregistration foratrademark dueto
non-use, andinparticular, identify theminimum period oftimeofnon-use thatmustbeestablished
tocancel sucharegistration.
11. Please explain whether thelawofLiechtenstein permits aforeign trademark owner whoapplies
forregistration inLiechtenstein toclaim priority based onafiling inanother ParisConvention member.
12. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inLiechtenstein, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );IP/C/W/39
Page29
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
13. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
14. Please explain whether registrations oftrademarks related towines orspirits which contain
orconsist ofageographical indication arerefused orinvalidated withrespect towines orspirits not
having thespecified origin. Ifso,please explain howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 23.2.
15. Please explain whether well-known trademarks forservices aregiven thesame protection as
wellknown trademarks forgoods, consistent withArticle 6bisoftheParis Convention. Ifnot,please
explain howthelawofLiechtenstein isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.2.
NEW ZEALAND
1. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under NewZealand law. Ifso,please identify
andexplain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions ofNewZealand
lawthatserve asabasisfortheseexclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
2. PleaseexplainwhetherthetrademarklawofNewZealandestablishesapresumptionoflikelihood
ofconfusion inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedon
identical goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis
forthispresumption.
3. Pleaseexplainwhetherandinwhatregardtheprovisionsconcerningactsconstitutinginfringement
ofaregistered trademark specified inSection 10oftheNewZealand Trademark Lawapply toholders
oftrademarks registered forservices. Please provide relevant information regarding administrative
orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
4. Section 17oftheNew Zealand Trademark Lawdoesnotaddress ordefine “well-known ”
trademarks. Please explain howwell-known marks aredefined under NewZealand law,andhow
NewZealand hasimplemented TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
5. Pleaseindicatewhether,underNewZealandtrademarklaw,apartyisprohibitedfromregistering
amark thatisidentical orconfusingly similar toawell-known mark thatisunregistered. Ifso,please
provide anexplanation ofthelegalbasis forthisconclusion.IP/C/W/39
Page30
6. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inNewZealand, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
7. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
8. Please explain whether legalmeans areprovided under NewZealand lawtorefuse orinvalidate
theregistration ofmisleading geographical indications and,ifnot,howNewZealand lawisconsistent
withTRIPS Article 22.3.
9. Please explain how,intheabsence ofanunfair competition statute, NewZealand lawcomplies
withTRIPS Article 22.2, which requires thatwithrespect togeographical indications legalmeans be
provided toprevent anyusewhich constitutes anactofunfair competition within themeaning of
Article 10bisoftheParis Convention.
10. Under NewZealand law,theregistration ofamark thatisidentical orsimilar toawell-known
mark thatisusedinrelation totheidentical orsimilar goods orservices canbeprevented. Please
explain whether theowner ofawell-known mark inrelation togoods orservices canalsoprevent the
useofthewell-known mark bythirdparties, consistent withTRIPS Article 16.3.
NORWAY
1. Chapter 1,Section 1ofNorway ’sTrademark Lawsetsforth thetypeofsignthatiscapable
ofbeing protected asatrademark. Thelistofsigns doesnotinclude colour marks. Please explain
whether colour marks arecapable ofconstituting atrademark under Norway ’sTrademark Law, and
ifso,under whatauthority.
2. Please explain whether Norwegian trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
3. TRIPS Article 20provides thatuseofatrademark shall notbeencumbered byspecial
requirements suchasuseinaspecial form. However, Chapter 1,Section 10states that“where thisIP/C/W/39
Page31
isfound reasonable, acourt oflawmaydecide thatoneorbothsigns infuture maybeusedonlyfor
particular goods inacertain areaorinaparticular manner, suchasinacertain shape orformorwith
reference toageographical location orwiththeaddition ofthename oftheproprietor oranyother
elucidating addition ”insituations where aregistered markhasco-existed withanunregistered trademark
foraperiod oftime. Please explain howthese provisions comply withTRIPS Article 20.
4. Chapter 3,Section 25aoftheNorwegian Trademark Lawpermits theproprietor ofatrademark
topresent “proper reasons ”forcontinued registration despite non-use ofatrademark. Please explain
thecircumstances orsituations thatwould constitute “proper reasons ”sufficient tosatisfy thisprovision,
including, where relevant, information regarding administrative orjudicial decisions addressing this
issue.
5. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Norwegian law. Ifso,please identify
andexplain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions oftheNorwegian
lawthatserve asabasisfortheseexclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
6. Please explain howunregistered well-known trademarks areprotected inNorway, asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
7. Please explain whether Norwegian lawpermits orprecludes theassignment ofaregistered
trademark without thetransfer oftheunderlying business. Ifitprecludes theassignment ofaregistered
trademark where theunderlying business isnottransferred withthemark, please explain howthis
complies withtheprovisions ofTRIPS Article 21.
8. Please explain howgeographical indications areprotected under Norway ’slaw,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 22and23.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inNorway, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
Page32
POLAND
1. Article 9(1)ofthePolish Trademark Lawprecludes registration ofamark where themark
“could mislead purchasers ”.Please explain whether andhowthisstandard differs fromthestandard
of“likelihood ofconfusion ”thatisspecified intheTRIPS Agreement inrelation totherights ofthe
owner ofaregistered trademark. Additionally, please explain howthisstandard isapplied inpractice,
providing examples ifpossible.
2. Please explain howunregistered well-known trademarks areprotected inPoland, asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3. Inparticular, please indicate:
- whether theowner ofawell-known mark mustestablish thatuseofawell-known mark
would “mislead purchasers ”;
- whether thestandard of“mislead purchasers ”requires more thanwould berequired
toestablish alikelihood ofconfusion; and
- whether knowledge oftherelevant public istaken intoaccount indetermining ifamark
iswellknown.
3. Article 28(3) ofthePolish Trademark Lawspecifies thattherightderiving fromatrademark
shallnotexpire iftheowner oftherightcanprove thathewasunable tousethetrademark for“justified ”
reasons. Please explain howthephrase “justified ”hasbeenoristobeinterpreted, andhowthisstandard
complies with therequirements ofTRIPS Article 19,which states that“circumstances arising
independently ofthewillofthetrademark owner which constitute anobstacle totheuseofthetrademark
shallberecognized asvalid reasons fornon-use ”ofamark sufficient toprevent cancellation ofthe
mark.
4. Please explain whether thePolish trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
5. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inPoland, inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.IP/C/W/39
Page33
6. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
7. Please explain whether alpha-numeric marks aretreated bythePolish Patent Office asbeing
non-distinctive andthusincapable ofregistration. Ifnot,please explain howthispractice isconsistent
withTRIPS Article 15.1.
8. Please explain whether Polish lawprovides specific provisions relating towell-known marks
usedinrelation togoods orservices thatarenotsimilar tothose forwhich atrademark hasbeen
registered, butwhere useofthetrademark would indicate orsuggest thataconnection exists between
theowner ofthewell-known mark andtheparticular goods orservices inquestion. Ifnot,please
explain howPolish lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.3.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
1. Section 2oftheGeneral Provisions liststhesigns thatcanconstitute atrademark. Thislist
doesnotinclude personal names, numerals, letters orcolours. Please explain howSection 2ofthe
General Provisions complies withTRIPS Article 15.1.
2. TRIPS Article 15.3requires WTO Members topermit thefiling ofanapplication toregister
atrademark priortoactual useofthemark, andfurther specifies thatsuchapplications cannot berefused
solely ontheground thattheintended usehasnotoccurred prior tothree years from thedateof
application. Please explain howSlovak lawcomplies withthisprovision oftheTRIPS Agreement.
3. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Slovak law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority; therelative provisions oftheSlovak lawthat
serve asabasis forthese exclusions; andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
4. Section13(1)oftheSlovakTrademarkLawprovidesfora10yeartermfortrademarksbeginning
onthefiling dateoftheapplication, notfromthedatetheregistration isgranted. Please explain how
thisprovision complies withtheobligation ofTRIPS Article 18thatWTO Members provide aminimum
seven yeartermofprotection forregistered trademarks.
5. Please explain whether theowner ofaregistered trademark hastheexclusive righttoprevent
thirdparties fromusing identical orsimilar signs onsimilar goods orservices asrequired byTRIPS
Article 16.1.
6. Please explain whether theSlovak Trademark Lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood of
confusioninthedeterminationofconfusingsimilarityincaseswhereidenticalmarksareusedonidentical
goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis forthis
presumption.
7. Please explain:
- thestandard used intheSlovak Republic fordetermining whether amark is
“well-known ”;
- howregistered andunregistered well-known marks areprotected under thetrademark
lawoftheSlovak Republic; andIP/C/W/39
Page34
- whether knowledge within therelevant sector ofthepublic asaresult ofpromotion
ofthemark isconsidered intheanalysis leading toadetermination thatamark is
well-known.
Withrespect toeachaspect ofthisquestion, please explain howthestandards orpractices comply with
TRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
8. Section 15(4) oftheSlovak Trademark Lawpermits atrademark owner toaskthecustoms
authorities towithhold theentry ofgoods bearing infringing marks. Please explain howthelawof
theSlovak Republic implements andapplies theprovisions regarding border measures found inTRIPS
Articles 51to60withregard tosuchgoods bearing infringing trademarks.
9. Article 18(1) oftheSlovak Trademark Lawspecifies thatonefactor inthedetermination of
whether amark is“wellknown ”isthe“extent orlongduration ofitsutilization forhigh-quality goods
orservices ”.Please explain howthisfactor isapplied inpractice and,inparticular, whether the“high
quality ”evaluation canpreclude recognition ofamark aswellknown mark.
10. Section19(1)oftheSlovakTrademarkLawrequiresstrictcomplianceoftheuseofthetrademark
intheforminwhich itisregistered. Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 2.1,
totheextent itincorporates Article 5C(2) oftheParis Convention, which states thatprotection shall
beafforded tomarks thatmaydiffer from theregistered mark aslongasthedifferences donotalter
thedistinctive character oftheregistered mark.
11. Section 23(1)(b) oftheSlovak Trademark Lawallows marks tobecancelled iftheowner does
notprovide a“goodreason ”forthenon-use. Please explain howthisprovision complies withTRIPS
Article 19.1which requires thatWTO Members recognize certain circumstances thatariseindependently
ofthewillofthetrademark owner asbeing valid reasons fornon-use toprevent cancellation ofa
registration fornon-use. Also, please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient to
satisfy thisprovision (i.e., “good reasons ”fornon-use), including, where relevant, results of
administrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
12. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected intheSlovak Republic,
inparticular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
13. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
Page35
14. Please indicate whether geographical indications forwines andspirits aregiven additional
protection compared togeographical indications forother goods. Ifnot,please explain howSlovak
lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 23.
15. Section 16(3) oftheSlovak Trademark Actrequires theowner ofatrademark toacquiesce
totheuseofanidentical orconfusingly similar signwhich, intheperiod oftwoyears before thefiling
oftheapplication, hasbecome characteristic fortheidentical orsimilar goods orservices ofitsholder,
suchusebeing made bythatholder intheSlovak Republic. Please explain howthisprovision ofSlovak
lawisconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.1, which grants thetrademark owner theexclusive rightto
prevent usebythirdparties ofidentical orsimilar signs ongoods orservices identical toorsimilar
tothose inrespect ofwhich thetrademark isregistered.
16. Section 15(2) oftheSlovak Trademark Actgrants theowner ofaregistered mark theauthority
toprevent thirdparties nothaving hisconsent fromusing identical orsimilar marks inrelation togoods
orservices thatareidentical tothose forwhich theregistration hasbeengranted. Itisnotclearwhether
theowner ofaregistered mark isalsogiven theserights withrespect togoods orservices thataresimilar
tothose forwhich registration hasbeengranted. Please explain whether suchauthority isgranted
under Slovak lawand,ifnot,howthispractice isconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.1.
17. Section 7(4)oftheSlovak Trademark Actprovides thatcollective marks mayonlybeused
inconjunction withanindividual mark orwiththename ofalegalperson insuchawaythattheorigin
ofthegoods thusmarked shallbeclear. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS
Article 20,which provides thattheuseofatrademark shallnotbeunjustifiably encumbered byspecial
requirements, suchasusewithanother trademark oruseinaspecial form.
SOUTH AFRICA
1. Article 14oftheSouth African Trademarks Actappears toprovide asignificant degree of
discretion totheRegistrar toregister amark thatwould otherwise failtomeettherequirements for
registration. Inparticular, theprovision notes thattheRegistrar hasthisauthority in“special
circumstances ”andcanimpose “suchconditions andlimitations, ifany,hemaythink fittoimpose ”
ontheterms oftheregistration. Please explain howthisauthority isexercised, providing examples
ifpossible. Also, please explain howthisprovision canbeviewed asbeing consistent withTRIPS
Article 16.1, which specifies thatthetrademark owner shallhavetheexclusive righttousethemark
vis-à-vis thirdparties.
2. Article36(2)oftheSouthAfricanTrademarksActappearstoprecludetheownerofawell-known
mark toenforce hisrights against third parties whocanestablish useofthesame mark prior to
31August1991.PleaseexplainhowthisprovisionisconsistentwiththeobligationsofTRIPSArticle2,
totheextent itincorporates Article 6bisoftheParisConvention, andofTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
3. Article 27oftheSouth African Trademarks Actpermits cancellation ofatrademark registration
ifthemark isnotused. Pursuant tosection 4ofthatArticle, theowner ofaregistered trademark may
prevent cancellation oftheregistration where thenon-use is“duetospecial circumstances inthetrade
andnottoanyintention nottouseortoabandon themark”.Please explain:
- howthisprovision complies withTRIPS Article 19.1; andIP/C/W/39
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- thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisprovision, including,
where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue.
4. Please explain whether theSouth African trademark lawestablishes apresumption oflikelihood
ofconfusion inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedon
identical goods, asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasis
forthispresumption.
5. Please explain howtheobligations inTRIPS Articles 22and23withrespect toprotection of
geographical indications areimplemented intheSouth African law.
6. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inSouth Africa, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including
adescription oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial use
isrequired); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
7. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.
8. Section 12oftheLiquor Products Actprohibits falseormisleading descriptions forwines and
spirits, including falsedescriptions oforigin. Thisprovision, however, doesnotextend touseofsuch
expressions as“kind”or“type”.Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent with TRIPS
Article 23.1.
9. Section 27(1)(a) oftheTrade Marks Actof1993allows theremoval ofamark fromtheregister
atanytimeinthecaseofabsence ofanintent tousethemark. There isnotimelimitimposed with
respect tothisprovision. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withTRIPS Article 19.1,
which provides thatifuseisrequired tomaintain registration ofatrademark, theregistration mayonly
becancelled afteranuninterrupted period ofnon-use ofatleastthree years.
SWITZERLAND
1. Please explain whether colours areregistrable astrademarks under Swiss trademark law,absent
combination withaccompanying figurative elements, asrequired byTRIPS Article 15.1.IP/C/W/39
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2. Please explain whether thenature ofgoods orservices towhich atrademark istobeapplied
canserve asanobstacle totheregistration ofthemark under Swiss law. Ifso,please identify and
explain thesubject matter excluded under thisauthority, therelative provisions oftheSwiss lawthat
serve asabasis forthese exclusions, andhowthispractice complies withTRIPS Article 15.4.
3. Pleaseexplainhowunregisteredwell-knowntrademarksareprotectedinSwitzerland,asrequired
byTRIPS Articles 16.2and16.3.
4. Section 12(1) oftheSwiss Trademark Lawappears toaccept “important reasons ”asabasis
forpreventing thecancellation ofamark dueto“non-use ”bytheowner oftheregistration ofthemark.
Please explain thetypes ofcircumstances thatwould besufficient tosatisfy thisstandard, including,
where relevant, results ofadministrative orjudicial decisions addressing thisissue. Also, please explain
howthisstandard complies withtherequirements ofTRIPS Article 19.1, which specifies thatnon-use
must beduetocircumstances arising independently ofthewillofthetrademark owner.
5. Please explain howSections 14(2) and17(4), which require thetransfer oftheenterprise when
assigning amark, comply withTRIPS Article 21.
6. Section 19(1) oftheSwiss Trademark Lawprovides forcompulsory execution incident to
licensing ofatrademark. Please explain howthisprovision isconsistent withtheproscription against
compulsory licensing specified inTRIPS Article 21.
7. PleaseexplainwhetherSwisstrademarklawestablishesapresumptionoflikelihoodofconfusion
inthedetermination ofconfusing similarity incases where identical marks areusedonidentical goods,
asrequired byTRIPS Article 16.1. Ifso,please identify andexplain thelegalbasisforthispresumption.
8. Please explain whether Swiss trademark lawimposes timelimitations onactions tocancel
trademark registrations thathavebeenobtained byfraudulent means, andhowSwiss lawisconsistent
withTRIPS Article 2totheextent thatitincorporates Article 6bis(3)oftheParis Convention.
9. Please describe themethods bywhich industrial designs areprotected inSwitzerland, in
particular:
- theform orforms ofintellectual property usedtoprotect thedesign
(e.g.,patent, copyright, suigeneris );
- theconditions thatmust besatisfied toobtain thegrant ofsuchprotection
(e.g.,whether designs mustbenewororiginal andtheparameters ofthese concepts),
andabriefdescription oftheregistration orgranting procedure;
- thenature oftherights granted andthetermofprotection provided;
- thenature ofremedies available totheowner ofeachtypeofprotection, including a
description oftheconditions thatmaybeimposed (e.g.,whether commercial useis
required); and
- whether anyexceptions toprotection orrights existforeachtypeofintellectual property
involved.
10. Please explain howtextile designs areprotected under yourlaw.IP/C/W/39
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11. Please explain howArticles 15(1) and15(2) oftheSwiss Trademark Act,which address
additional criteria thatmust beestablished inrelation toprotection ofwell-known marks inrelation
todilution ofthemark, areconsistent withTRIPS Article 16.3.
12. Please explain whether Article 47(3) oftheSwiss Trademark Act,which appears toprohibit
theuseofincorrect indications ofgeographical origin, permits coexistence oftrademarks existing prior
totheentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement withsuchindications. Ifnot,please explain how
trademarks existing prior totheentry intoforce oftheWTO Agreement areprotected against
appropriation fromactions incident torecognition ofageographical indication, consistent withTRIPS
Article 24.5.