Trade Marks Act 1994

Opt outU.K.

[F12(1)Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the proprietor of an existing EUTM may, at any time on or after IP completion day, serve notice on the registrar that the trade mark is not to be treated as if the trade mark had been registered under this Act (an “opt out notice”).

(2)An opt out notice may not be served where on or after IP completion day—

(a)the comparable trade mark (EU) has been put to use in the United Kingdom by the proprietor or with the proprietor's consent (which use includes affixing the trade mark to goods or to the packaging of goods in the United Kingdom solely for export purposes);

(b)the comparable trade mark (EU) (or any right in or under it) has been made the subject of an assignment, licence, security interest or any other agreement or document except for an assent by personal representatives in relation to the comparable trade mark (EU); or

(c)proceedings based on the comparable trade mark (EU) have been initiated by the proprietor or with the proprietor's consent.

(3)An opt out notice must—

(a)identify the existing EUTM; and

(b)include the name and address of any person having an interest in the existing EUTM which had effect before IP completion day in the United Kingdom, and in respect of which an entry was recorded in the EUTM Register.

(4)An opt out notice is of no effect unless the proprietor in that notice certifies that any such person—

(a)has been given not less than three months' notice of the proprietor's intention to serve an opt out notice; or

(b)is not affected or if affected, consents to the opt out.

(5)Where a notice has been served in accordance with this paragraph—

(a)the comparable trade mark (EU) which derives from the existing EUTM ceases with effect from IP completion day to be treated as if it had been registered under this Act; and

(b)the registrar must, where particulars of the comparable trade mark (EU) have been entered in the register, remove the comparable trade mark (EU) from the register.]