While the new laws make numerous changes to Mexico’s intellectual property framework, the most substantial change is that a declaration of use must now be filed for all trademark registrations within three months of the third anniversary of the registration date. So, for example, if a trademark is registered on Jan. 1, 2021, a declaration of use must be filed before April 1, 2024. This new rule is applicable to all registrations granted after Aug. 10, 2018. A declaration of use must also be filed when a trademark owner seeks to renew its registration. If the trademark owner does not prove use of the mark in Mexico in the appropriate manner and timeframe, the owner will be considered to have waived and renounced its trademark.
The latest edition of the Guidelines for Examination of European Union trade marks (EUTM) and registered Community designs (RCD) entered into force on 1 March 2021, following the approval by the Executive Director of the EUIPO on 8 February 2021 by means of Decision EX-21-1.
Uganda is located at the heart of sub-Saharan Africa and is bordered by South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its location makes it a strategic base for trade and therefore very attractive for potential investors as an emerging market. However, companies interested in entering the Ugandan market should seek IP protection beforehand, as it is common for third-party distributors to take advantage of new businesses and register their trademarks in bad faith, resulting in the unlawful use of marks and the creation of counterfeit products.