A trade mark proprietor is not entitled to prevent the use of a sign identical with, or similar to, a mark in a comparative advertisement if there is no likelihood of confusion on the part of the consumer between the advertiser and the proprietor of the mark or between the advertiser’s marks, goods or services and those of the proprietor of the mark
[European Court of Justice Press Release]

Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for Competition Policy: Being open about standards, OpenForum Europe - Breakfast seminar, Brussels, Belgium, 10 June 2008
[Speech]

European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy's opening speech on private copying levies, Conference on 'private copying levies' – Public Hearing, Centre Borschette, Brussels, 27 May 2008
[Speech]

Statistics just published by the European Commission relating to counterfeit and piracy show a significant increase in customs activity last year. In 2007, customs registered over 43,000 cases of fake goods seized at the EU's external border, compared to 37,000 in 2006. This results notably from improved cooperation between customs and industry, enabling customs to better target suspected shipments and to recognize counterfeit goods. Despite this, the number of articles seized decreased from last year's peak of 128 million articles to around 79 million. This is due to a growing number of seizures involving smaller quantities of counterfeit and pirated articles. However, cigarettes and clothing continue to be faked in large quantities and there has been a worrying increase in sectors that are potentially dangerous to consumers (medicines, electrical equipment, personal care products).
[European Commission Press Release]

Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services: Counterfeiting and Piracy, Conference on Counterfeiting and Piracy, Brussels, 13 May 2008
[Speech]

The European Commission will hold a conference on counterfeiting and piracy on 13 May 2008. Speakers will cover various topics including the effects on economic growth and job creation in Europe, risks to citizens' health and safety and measures which could enhance the fight against fake goods. Members of the European Parliament as well as a wide range of stakeholders representing business, public administrations and civil society are expected to attend.
[European Commission Press Release]