Today, EUIPO released a Guidance Note to assist users after the end of the exceptional extensions on Monday, 18 May 2020.

As a result of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the EUIPO Executive Director issued Decision No EX-20-4 and Decision No EX-20-3 on extensions that cover all procedural deadlines with an automatic effect, both, those set by the Office or directly stipulated in the Regulations. The extensions have automatic effect until 18 May 2020.

The new Guidance Note aims to provide users with further guidance on the following issues:

• Extension of time limits in ex parte and inter partes proceedings (Article 68 EUTMDR and Article 57 CDIR)
• Suspension of proceedings (Article 71 EUTMDR)
• Continuation of proceedings (Article 105 EUTMR)
• Restitutio in Integrum (Article 104 EUTMR and Article 67 CDR)

The EUIPO Guidelines, and the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal of EUIPO shall be interpreted in the light of this communication in so far as they relate to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday 19 May 2020 (11.00 am CEST), the EUIPO Academy will also provide a live webinar, in order to clarify the regular means of coping with time limits envisaged in the applicable Regulation, in case parties still have difficulties before EUIPO due to COVID-19.