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Article 46

Opposition

  1. Within a period of three months following the publication of an EU trade mark application, notice of opposition to registration of the trade mark may be given on the grounds that it may not be registered under Article 8:
    • (a) by the proprietors of earlier trade marks referred to in Article 8(2) as well as licensees authorised by the proprietors of those trade marks, in respect of Article 8(1) and (5);
    • (b) by the proprietors of trade marks referred to in Article 8(3);
    • (c) by the proprietors of earlier marks or signs referred to in Article 8(4) and by persons authorised under the relevant national law to exercise these rights;
    • (d) by the persons authorised under the relevant Union legislation or national law to exercise the rights referred to in Article 8(6).
  2. Notice of opposition to registration of the trade mark may also be given, subject to the conditions laid down in paragraph 1, in the event of the publication of an amended application in accordance with the second sentence of Article 49(2).
  3. Opposition shall be expressed in writing, and shall specify the grounds on which it is made. It shall not be considered as duly entered until the opposition fee has been paid.
  4. Within a period to be fixed by the Office, the opponent may submit facts, evidence and arguments in support of his case.