Mannheimer Swartling

Enforcement Trademark enforcement proceedings What types of legal or administrative proceedings are available to enforce the rights of a trademark owner against an alleged infringer or dilutive use of a mark, apart from previously discussed opposition and cancellation actions? Are there specialised courts or other tribunals? Is there any provision in the criminal law regarding trademark infringement or an equivalent offence?

Registration and use Ownership of marks Who may apply for registration? Individuals or legal entities can register Swedish trademarks. Scope of trademark What may and may not be protected and registered as a trademark? A trademark can be any sign – including words, personal names, devices, letters, numerals, colours, sounds, or the shape of goods or its packaging – with distinctive character and that can be represented in the Trademark Register.

Legislation and jurisdiction Relevant legislation and regulators What is the relevant legislation and who enforces it? Swedish merger control is governed by the Swedish Competition Act (the Act), which entered into force in November 2008. As compared with the previous legislation, the changes on merger control were largely intended to bring the Act even further into line with the EU Merger Regulation.