The recent cold front that affected Valencia and other municipalities has had a significant impact on businesses and individuals.
In light of this situation, the OEPM and the EUIPO have implemented specific measures to mitigate the effects and support recovery in key areas such as industrial property.
1. Fee Exemption at the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM)
According to Article 22 of Royal Decree-Law 7/2024, individuals and legal entities domiciled in the municipalities affected by the DANA may benefit from a fee exemption for the filing of applications for trademarks, patents, utility models, and industrial designs. The requirements are as follows:
- Reside or have a registered office in one of the 78 affected municipalities listed in the annex to the Royal Decree.
- Submit the application between November 13, 2024, and June 30, 2025
This measure will allow affected companies and entrepreneurs to register and protect their industrial property rights without incurring the usual costs. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on those affected and promote innovation and business development in the affected areas.
2. Extension of Deadlines at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
At the European Union level, the EUIPO has also implemented support measures. These measures include the extension of deadlines in all proceedings before the office. The details and requirements of these measures are as follows:
- Reside in or have its principal place of business in Valencia
- Deadlines falling between October 29, 2024, and January 13, 2025, will be automatically extended to January 14, 2025.
This extension provides much-needed breathing room for businesses and individuals who need to handle renewals, oppositions, or other procedures related to Community trademarks, designs, or patents. The measure ensures that no one loses important rights due to the effects of the DANA.
In addition, the EUIPO has indicated that it will continue to assess the need for further extensions and additional measures as the weeks go by.
If you have any questions about how Royal Decree-Law 7/2024 affects your trademarks, patents, and/or industrial designs, please contact us at elzaburu@elzaburu.es