The Italian Trade Mark Office is likely to initiate the procedure for filing opposition to trade mark applications shortly and it may be ready to receive oppositions in relation to applications filed after 1st May 2011. It is anticipated that there will be a three month opposition term although a formal statement has not yet issued.
At the moment proprietors of Italian trade mark registrations are only able to address a later filed registration via Court proceedings. The new procedures, when implemented, shall be rather welcome. We shall watch developments with interest.