The European Trade Mark and Design Network has issued a third common communication in relation to the implementation of the ECJ's decision in the IP Translator case (Case C-307/10) (see Legal update, ECJ rules on use of Nice Classification class headings in trade mark applications). This follows its earlier communications entitled Common Communication on Interpretation of IP Translator and Common Communication on the Common Practice on the General Indications of the Nice Class Headings (see Legal updates, European Trade Mark and Design Network issues communication on IP Translator and European Trade Mark and Design Network updates communication on IP Translator, respectively). This third communication, entitled Common Communication on Common Practice on the Acceptability of Classification Terms, provides a set of guidelines to help identify when a classification term is sufficiently clear and precise. These guidelines will be reflected in part B, section 3 of OHIM's guidelines on examination of classification.

The earlier communications have been updated and reissued to reflect any subsequent developments, which includes changes by the Finnish national office to their classification practice. The second communication has also been updated to include details of the implementation dates of each national office. For more information, see Practice note, Trade marks: Registration and portfolio management.

Source: Common Communication on Common Practice on the Acceptability of Classification Terms and OHIM press release, 20 February 2014.