News

10th Edition of Nice Classification

Trademarks are used to distinguish goods and services of companies. The classification of goods and services is defined by the International treaty known as "Nice Classification" or "International Classification of Goods and Services". Every five years the Nice Classification is revised.

Leahy-Smith America Invents Act

On September 16, 2011 US-President Barack Obama signed the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. Revisions to US patent law have been under discussion for a long time, and have now finally been enacted. Many changes will only come into effect in 2012/2013, for example the "first-to-invent" system that has been applied by the USA will be replaced by the "first-to-file" system that is more common throughout the world.

Accession to the EPC by Albania (AL)

Albania acceded to the EPC on February 11, 2010.

For Albania, the EPC will enter into force on May 1, 2010. Any International applications filed on or after May 1, 2010 will automatically include the designation of Albania for the purpose of obtaining a European patent.

The European Patent Organisation now comprises 37 member states.