Guide to Laws, Regulations, and Directives Governing German, EU, and International Trademarks

Trademark law is governed by a combination of national legislation, European Union (EU) regulations, and international treaties. Below is a detailed explanation of the legal framework for German, EU, and International (IR) trademarks, including relevant laws, directives, and implementing regulations.

1. German Trademark Law (Nationale Marke)

1.1 Key Legislation

German Trademark Act (Markengesetz, MarkenG):

• Governs the registration, protection, and enforcement of trademarks in Germany.
• Implements the EU Trademark Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/2436).
• Sections of interest:
• § 3 MarkenG: Defines registrable trademarks.
• § 14 MarkenG: Provides protection against infringement.
• § 48 MarkenG: Outlines opposition proceedings.

German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB):

• Governs contracts related to trademarks, such as licensing and assignments.

Code of Civil Procedure (Zivilprozessordnung, ZPO):

• Governs litigation procedures, including injunctions and main proceedings.

1.2 Implementing Regulations

• Trademark Regulation (Markenverordnung, MarkenV):
• Details procedural requirements for filing, opposition, and cancellation.
• Prescribes requirements for graphical representation and electronic filing.

1.3 Administrative Guidelines

• Issued by the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA):
• Guidelines on classification under the Nice Agreement.
• Procedures for trademark search and monitoring.

2. EU Trademark Law (Unionsmarke)

2.1 Key Legislation

EU Trademark Regulation (EUTMR):

• Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 on the European Union trademark.
• Establishes the legal framework for registering and protecting trademarks valid across all EU member states.
• Key provisions:
• Article 9: Defines rights conferred by an EU trademark.
• Article 18: Sets use requirements to maintain rights.
• Article 128: Provides rules for litigation before EU trademark courts.

Trademark Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/2436):

• Harmonizes national trademark laws across EU member states.
• Key provisions include:
• Simplified registration procedures.
• Extended scope for non-traditional trademarks (e.g., sound, motion marks).

2.2 Implementing Regulations

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/626:

• Lays down procedural rules for the EUIPO, including filing, examination, and appeals.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/625:

• Specifies details on opposition and cancellation procedures.

2.3 Administrative Guidelines

• EUIPO Guidelines:
• Detailed instructions on classification, examination, and opposition procedures.
• Guidelines for non-traditional marks such as motion and multimedia marks.

3. International Trademark Law (IR-Marke)

3.1 Governing Treaties

The Madrid System, administered by WIPO, provides the legal framework for international trademark registration.

Madrid Agreement (1891):

• Establishes a basic framework for international trademark protection.

Madrid Protocol (1989):

• Modernizes the Madrid Agreement.
• Key provisions:
• Simplified filing for international applications.
• 18-month period for designated countries to issue refusals.

Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883):

• Provides minimum standards for trademark protection and the right of priority.

3.2 Implementing Regulations

• Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol:
• Outline procedural rules for international applications, renewals, and refusals.
• Include provisions for subsequent designations and changes to registrations.

3.3 Administrative Guidelines

• WIPO Guidance:
• Practical instructions for filing international applications and managing registrations.
• Guidelines on the use of the Nice Classification for goods and services.

4. Comparative Overview

5. Harmonization Across Systems

The harmonization of trademark laws ensures consistency in procedures and protection standards:

German Law Alignment:

• The Trademark Law Modernization Act (MaMoG) aligns German law with the EU Directive.

EU and Madrid Integration:

• EUIPO serves as an office of origin for IR applications.
• An EU trademark can be extended internationally through the Madrid System.

6. Practical Role of Trademark Attorneys

For German Trademarks:

• Filing applications with the DPMA.
• Handling opposition and cancellation proceedings.
• Managing renewals and monitoring trademarks.

For EU Trademarks:

• Representing clients before the EUIPO.
• Advising on multi-jurisdictional protection within the EU.
• Handling appeals to the Boards of Appeal, General Court, and CJEU.

For International Trademarks:

• Preparing IR applications through the DPMA or EUIPO as the office of origin.
• Managing subsequent designations and addressing refusals in designated countries.

By understanding the intricacies of these laws and regulations, trademark attorneys help clients secure and enforce rights across multiple jurisdictions.