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.
From July 1, 2010 on, it will be possible to conduct Opposition Proceedings in trademark cases in Austria
Amendments to the Austrian Trademark Protection Act 1970 (Art. 29a to 29c) allow for opposition proceedings. These opposition proceedings should strengthen the rights of registered trademark owners and should facilitate enforcement of a trademark. The new law will enter into force on July 1, 2010. Within three months from the date of publication of a trademark in the Austrian Trademark Bulletin or in the WIPO Gazette of International Marks an opposition may be filed at the Austrian Patent and Trademark Office. However, only oppositions against trademarks with publication dates on or after July 1, 2010 may be filed.