The consequences of COVID – 19 are felt all over the world, and in Denmark it has led to many companies having to shut down or go to sleep. We have great compassion for those who are having a particularly difficult time – both personally and commercially, and hope that we will move towards brighter times soon. Fortunately, at LØJE IP, we are well equipped to continue our work unaffected by the crisis. From March 13, 2020, all employees have worked from home, where we have all the resources needed to assist our customers with their ongoing challenges. All employees will thus be reachable by mail, and you are welcome to call Johan Løje on 26179470 if you have any questions.
The Patent and Trademark Office in Denmark has stated that they will continue to operate during this period. It is still possible to file trademark applications. However, the Patent and Trademark Office has announced that there may be delays in relation to their usual processing times. To those of our clients who have ongoing trademark applications or already have Danish trademark registrations, the Danish Patent and Trademark Office has announced that the authority’s deadlines will remain unchanged. As always, we will provide the necessary case management and contact with our clients to ensure compliance with the authority’s deadlines. Just as usual.
Like the Patent and Trademark Office, EUIPO, the European Trademark and Design Authority, has announced that they will continue to operate. Thus, it is still possible to submit trademark and design applications. The applications already submitted are treated as hitherto, but you should expect slightly longer processing times than usual. EUIPO has, opposite the Patent and Trademark Office, decided that deadlines that may fall in the period between March 9, 2020 and April 30, 2020 are automatically extended to May 4, 2020. To ensure the shortest possible processing time for our clients , we at Løje IP will continue to process your trademark applications as soon as possible despite the time limits. As a result, our clients do not expect their pending EU applications to be paused until 4 May 2020.
The Danish courts are closed to hearings, which is why no main proceedings or hearings in prohibition or proof cases are held as long as the official Denmark is closed – so far until 2 Easter Sunday, April 13, 2020. Submissions may continue to be filed and process papers are exchanged, just as judgments are delivered as usual.
For all other authorities around the world, the consequences of the crisis differ from country to country, but for most countries, deadlines for answering objections, etc., have been postponed for a period of time. As with all other applications, we at Løge IP will continue to treat these as usual. However, it is generally expected that in some countries there may be a delay in the usual treatment time.
If you have any questions about the above or seek advice on the consequences of the COVID 19 epidemic for your business, please feel free to contact us.
Watch out for yourselves.