The USPTO hosted the 2025 TM5 Annual Meeting in Alexandria, Virginia, from 27-29 October, where the Partners celebrated the publication of a study on color marks in the framework of its Non-Traditional Trade Mark project. They also recognized the change in the name and status of the Ministry of Intellectual Property of Republic of Korea (formerly known as KIPO).
The Partners adopted a new project, “User Guide to TM5 Trademark Application Information” led by the CNIPA, which compiles trademark application procedures, qualification requirements of representation, and formal requirements, including any recent changes in legislation in a user-friendly handbook.
The EUIPO concluded its Green TM5 project by explored the efforts of the Partners and highlighting best practices, such as, reducing emissions, procurement, awareness raising, expedited examination or developing studies.
The MOIP also noted that the “Trademarks in Virtual Space” project—launched to facilitate the exchange of examination guidelines and practices on virtual goods and services—will be formally closed following the publication of its report on the TM5 website.
The Partners also discussed some current topics, such as government impersonation scams, new user focused IT tools, and the evidence required to show well known character, and reflected on how the forum could better address issues of common interest.
At the TM5 User Session, which brought together representatives of the five jurisdictions, the Partners shared information on their latest developments, discussed their trademark application examination practices related to deceptiveness and trademarks consisting of personal names, and engaged in a lively open forum to gather stakeholder insights and answer questions. Users gave presentations on their experiences with responding to absolute refusals. The TM5 Partners exchanged information with representatives on customer engagement initiatives, on examination practices related to deceptiveness and trademarks consisting of personal names, and on the use of AI tools in the private and public sector.
On 5 February 2026, a TM5 workshop will be conducted with the IP Office of Thailand on practices for combatting bad faith filings. In the spring of 2026, the TM5 Partners will hold a joint workshop on “Comparison of Composite Marks in a Likelihood of Confusion Analysis.”
