With the recent conversion of the “Cura Italia” decree into law, the validity of industrial property rights expiring during the current emergency period has been extended in Italy.
In the Official Gazette no. 110 of 29 April 2020 (S.O.n.16) it has been published the conversion law (L.24 April 2020, n.27) of the decree law of 17 March 2020 n. 18 (“Cura Italia” decree), containing “Measures to strengthen the National Health Service and economic support for families, workers and businesses connected to the epidemiological emergency by COVID-19. Extension”.
In light of this change, the Italian Patent and Trademark Office, as far as our Country is concerned, has notified that:
“All certificates, permits, concessions, obligations and enablings, however denominated, including those relating to industrial property titles, expiring between 31 January 2020 and 31 July 2020, retain their validity for the following ninety days after the declaration of cessation of the state of emergency. For industrial property titles, upon expiry of the period, the interested party who intends to extend the duration of a title, should take any proper action with the related payments, in the forms already established by the law, in order to achieve their maintenance or renewal ” .
The Italian Patent and Trademark Office will timely give information on the cessation of the state of emergency.
Our firm continues to be at complete disposal for all the necessary information and operations of the case.