European Trade Mark Law

HC Deb 25 March 2002 vol 382 c697W

Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 13 December 2001,Official Report, column 944W, what progress has been made towards liberalising European trade mark law. [44787]

Ms Hewitt

The European Parliament has called on the Commission to report on the implications for industry, consumers and employment of liberalisation of European trade mark law and to submit detailed proposals by the end of this year.

In the meantime, we continue to work bilaterally with our European partners to build the necessary consensus for change. Unanimity is needed for change to the Community Trade Mark Regulation. Although some member states support change, a number remain unconvinced.