The Trade Marks Regulations 2018

Limits on effect of registered trade mark

12.—(1) Section 11 is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) omit “another registered trade mark in relation to goods and services for which the latter is registered (but see section 47(6) (effect of declaration of invalidity of registration))” and substitute “a later registered trade mark where that later registered trade mark would not be declared invalid pursuant to section 47(2A) or (2G) or section 48(1)”.

(3) After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A) A registered trade mark is not infringed by the use of a later registered European Union trade mark where that later European Union trade mark would not be declared invalid as a result of Article 60(1), (3), (4), 61(1), (2) or 64(2) of the European Union Trade Mark Regulation.

(1B) Where subsection (1) or (1A) applies, the later registered trade mark is not infringed by the use of the earlier trade mark even though the earlier trade mark may no longer be invoked against the later registered trade mark.”.

(4) In subsection (2)(a) for “a person” substitute “an individual”.

(5) In subsection (2)(b) for “indications concerning” substitute “signs or indications which are not distinctive or which concern”.

(6) In subsection (2)(c) for “where it” substitute “for the purpose of identifying or referring to goods or services as those of the proprietor of that trade mark, in particular where that use”.