EUIPO has published information on changes resulting from the spread of COVID-19.

A decision of the Executive Director extends all time limits expiring between 9 March 2020 and 30 April 2020, that affect all parties before the Office, to 1 May 2020.

This is a result of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) being classed as a pandemic by the WHO, which constitutes an exceptional occurrence.

In addition, the Office has put in place measures following the activation of a “state of alarm” by the Spanish government on 14 March. This introduced a limitation of movement in Spain.

With effect from today (16 March), all EUIPO staff will work from home and the Office’s headquarters in Alicante will be closed to visitors. All events scheduled are postponed.

However, as far as possible, business at the EUIPO will continue as usual, says the Office: “Trade mark and design applications will continue to be received, examined and published, and the Office will continue to send communications and set deadlines. Bulletins will continue to be published as usual.”

The Information and Second Line will continue to operate as normal.

The Office will also publish regular updates on its website and social media channels.

Other IP offices are also publishing information on changes to practices and deadlines resulting from the pandemic. If you would like to share information from other offices, please add details to this article using the comment function or email editor@marques.org