1) Service marks may now be registered; we have been given
to understand that applications for service marks filed
prior to the effective date of the new law will be
treated as though filed on July 1, 1996.
2) Multiple classes may now be covered in a single application.
3) The definition of a trademark has been expanded to include any sign that can be represented graphically, including the shape of goods or their packaging.
4) Part A and Part B of the Register have been eliminated to create a single Register.
5) Trademark registrants may now sue for infringement with respect to the use of confusingly similar marks on goods or services similar, but not necessarily identical, to those covered by their registration.
6) New penal offenses have been enacted to discourage trademark counterfeiting.
7) The provisions for trademark licensing and license recordal have been simplified.
8) Registrations are now granted for a period of 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed for further 10 year periods.
9) Collective marks may be registered.
2) Multiple classes may now be covered in a single application.
3) The definition of a trademark has been expanded to include any sign that can be represented graphically, including the shape of goods or their packaging.
4) Part A and Part B of the Register have been eliminated to create a single Register.
5) Trademark registrants may now sue for infringement with respect to the use of confusingly similar marks on goods or services similar, but not necessarily identical, to those covered by their registration.
6) New penal offenses have been enacted to discourage trademark counterfeiting.
7) The provisions for trademark licensing and license recordal have been simplified.
8) Registrations are now granted for a period of 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed for further 10 year periods.
9) Collective marks may be registered.
