To begin this new year in the trademark business, we would like to inform you about a new update of the Tenth Edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks.
The Tenth Edition entered into force on January the 1st, 2012, and a few months later, propositions and suggestions were made to modernize and bring up to date this list of goods and services which is used in many countries in the world.
For example, additions were made to include new products such as henna (cosmetic dye), antibacterial or disinfectant handwashes, digital photo frames, electronic cigarettes, palm sugar, or new services such as providing a website featuring technology that enables users to download digital music files, debt advisory services, and alternative medicine services.
Besides, one must be attentive to more technical modifications such as reclassification or new designation for existing goods or services in order to avoid inopportune office actions.
In addition, trademark users and specialists have been informed that the Nice Classification was soon to be applied in Hong-Kong, as from February 27, 2013. The Government of People’s Republic of China made public its decision in a letter dated November 22, 2012, to the Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization.
We trust this should make simpler and easier trademark registration procedures in Hong-Kong, especially for European Union applicants. Maybe this is also the sign of a future opening of this Chinese Administrative region to the Madrid Agreement and the International trademark system.
© [INSCRIPTA]
