On the 1^st July 2013, Croatia became the 28^th member state of the European Union (EU).

A registered Community design and a registered Community trade mark automatically cover all EU countries.  On the 1^st July 2013 this cover automatically extends to include Croatia.  The good news is that this will not only apply to new applications, but also the existing applications and registrations; without the need for existing right holders to take any action.

Community trade marks filed before 1^st January 2013 cannot be opposed or invalidated on the basis of a prior Croatian national right.  However, the proprietor of such an earlier national right may be able to prohibit use in Croatia of that Community trade mark.

The unregistered Community design right also extends to include Croatia from the 1^st July 2013.

The countries covered by a Community design and/or a Community trade mark registration are now Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

If you are interested in seeking registered trade mark or design protection across the European Union, please contact us.