Trademark reform package

For more than 15 years there has been a dual system of trademark law in Europe: an EU-wide Community trademark, and harmonised national trademarks. The Commission proposal aims at more harmonisation and coordination, but does not address trademark-related concerns over free expression. The Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee has put forward numerous amendments, in particular explicitly allowing to use trademarks for purposes of parody, artistic expression, crticism or comment, as well as for offering genuine products, intended as alternatives for well-known brands.