Right now, we are all facing new challenges due to the novel corona virus (Covid-19) in Sweden and across the world. This also affects the day to day routine of trademark offices around the world, potentially having an impact on deadlines and processing times. With this newsletter, Lindahl would like to give you a brief summary of the current situation.
In Sweden, the work of the Patent and Registration Office continues as usual. Despite the serious situation, the normal processing of trademark applications should not be affected.
In the other Nordic countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway, the national intellectual property offices continue their normal operations as well. However, some delays may occur at the Danish office regarding receipts of applications and payments. The Norwegian intellectual property office grants extension of certain deadlines for at least two months to the one who files a request before the expiry of the deadline in question.
The European intellectual property office, EUIPO, also continues to operate essentially as normal, however, the office has decided to extend all deadlines which expire between 9 March and 30 April until 1 May 2020.
With regard to the international intellectual property office, WIPO, the processing of cases should not be affected by the outbreak. WIPO has decided to automatically extend deadlines in cases where a national trademark office is closed due to Covid-19.
The US Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO, has decided to refrain from charging fees from clients affected by the corona virus in certain situations. Otherwise, this office will also continue its work as normal.
Lindahl law firm actively monitors new development, as well as the requirements and guidelines issued by the authorities with reference to the novel corona virus and do our utmost to keep you updated on how the current situation may affect your intellectual property rights. We will of course keep all of our clients updated regarding any impact on applied or registered rights which we currently manage.
Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or concerns.
Take care!
The Intellectual Property group of Lindahl law firm
