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Hungary Joins Eu

Hungary Joins Eu

Hungary joined the EU on May 1st, 2004. The trademark law has been amended and the procedural changes introduced include: – Introduction of Search Reports – Change of the Examination System: it now covers only absolute grounds for refusal, and no longer the relative grounds. – Introduction of an opposition system: within three months following the publication of the application, opposition may be filed by owners of prior marks or owners of prior rights. – Acceleration of the procedure: registration normally takes 12-18 months. An accelerated procedure may be requested within a one-month period after filing upon payment of a special fee. – Prohibition of use of CTM: there are special rules protecting prior trademark rights in Hungary. The aim is to protect a mark owner with prior right against an infringement action that could be introduced by the owner of a CTM.