Austria

The past year has seen the implementation of new trademark legislation which provides for the right to submit oppositions against registered trademarks. Although the number of opposition proceedings has risen, the new measures remain the subject of debate, with some commentators already questioning whether they will achieve the aim of improved efficiency. In general, the market appears static, with interviewees reporting stability and a negligible impact from the global financial crisis. IP boutiques continue to play a central role, although they face competition from IP departments at larger, full-service firms.