New European Trademark Regulations start March 23, 2016
Brian Igel
The two primary changes are:
1. The need to specify the goods and services related to a trademark, since all Community Trademarks (CTMs) which claim entire class headings run the risk of seeing their protection reduced (because protection will now be limited to the "literal meaning" alone). We highly recommend to rights holders that they reach out to us immediately to evaluate their CTM registrations in time to possibly file a request to limit the goods or services claimed.
2. Fee changes for CTMs. Generally speaking, the cost of filing new CTMs will increase, whereas renewal fees will decrease. If you intend to file new CTMs soon, you should consider doing so before the new, higher rates take effect on March 23, 2016.