Czech Republic: new duties for IP right holders

Czech Republic

Holders of copyright, patents, registered trade marks and other IP rights in the Czech Republic now have a duty to co-operate with customs authorities, under a recent amendment to the Act on Consumer Protection.

Whenever customs authorities seize goods during an inspection which they suspect to be in breach of IP rights, the holder of the IP right must comment on the genuineness of the goods within 15 business days where so requested by the customs authorities or face a fine of up to CZK 50 million (c. EUR 1.78 million).

Law: Act on Consumer Protection No. 634/1992 Coll

For more information on the interpretation and possible application of this regulation, please contact Jaroslav Tajbr at [email protected] or on +420 296 798 864.