Hot topics for student research

The Universities Network of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), in November 2011, started publishing the research topics for its programme to promote a better knowledge of Community trade marks and designs at European universities. The 'hot topics' include distinctive signs, geographical indications, marks with reputation, the evidential standard for 'unfair advantage', the protection of weak trade marks, neologisms, likelihood of confusion, the function of shape as an absolute ground for refusal, and the issue of 'who owns a Community trade mark'.