OHIM OnLine Service Improvements Planned

New OHIM Internet Address

The new website address for the OHIM as of May 9, 2006 will be www.oami.europa.eu. The OHIM says that it "is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that all of its services are accessible via its new Web address as of that date. Both the “old” and “new” OHIM web addresses will work to allow user-access to the same information for a “migration” period of 12 months from the launch of the new Web address."

Filing oppositions electronically

The OHIM will provide an electronic opposition form similar to the existing one for Community trade mark applications.MYPAGE users who have opted for e-communication will receive the first letters via their MYPAGE MailBox. This service is being tested externally in April.

B2B e-filing CTM

The objective of this service is to set up a system allowing the direct exchange of CTM applications from the IP management software used by the applicants and the OHIM systems. This tool will use a TM-XML (http://www.tm-xml.org/) format and offer a web service or FTP for the transmission of data. The OHIM has set up its system and the testing phase has started from 11/2005 with 6 users.

CTM consultation tool (CTM-ONLINE 2006)

The current CTM-ONLINE will be improved with enhanced information concerning renewal.
This service should be available at beginning May 2006

Payment by credit card (e-payment)

Service is being tested and should be available in May 2006

Search for a representative for CTM or RCD procedures (FindRep):The current CTM-AGENT databasewill be improved offering enhanced search criteria. MYPAGE users will have the possibility to change personal details directly. This service is in development

Trade mark classification help tool (EUROCLASS)

The OHIM is working together with the EU IP Offices to develop an online service to help with the classification of goods and services. This tool will contain all the accepted classification terms of the participating offices. This service is in its pilot phase with the first volunteer offices (UKPTO, Swedish Office). The first pilot should be available in September 2006.

Electronic filing of RCD applications

The current RCD e-filing service will be significantly improved with a view to solving the problem of large attachments, among other things. RCD e-filing will also be accessible through MYPAGE and changes will be made to harmonise it with CTM e-filing. The OHIM is currently defining the scope of the service.

Online access to CTM files

CTM file documents will be viewable through CTM-ONLINE. A restricted access is applied to documents of unpublished CTM. Mechanism have been put in place to ensure confidentiality of documents indicated as such. MYPAGE users will also have the possibility to request inspection of files electronically. This service is in development following initial delays