Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Friday, 17 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 July 1998. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Thursday, 30 July 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will comment on the options available to British retailers and consumers in response to the rules of the ECJ in the Silhouette case. - (Holding answer 21 July 1998).

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the options available to British retailers and consumers in response to the rules of the ECJ in the Silhouette case. [51665] Mr. Ian McCartney: [holding answer 21 July 1998]: The ruling of the European Court of Justice on the Silhouette case confirms the view of the Government's own legal advisers on the interpretation of the European Community Directive on trade marks which was implemented by the Trade Marks Act 1994, both of which were adopted and enacted by the previous government. The Government will consider with other Member States of the European Community in the light of this ruling, and of a study being mounted by the European Commission, what changes in the law are desirable having regard to the interests of British consumers and manufacturers. In the meantime, British retailers should abide by the law as it stands at present.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 51665; 317 c552-3W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Consumers EU action Retail trade Trade marks European Court of Justice