The OHIM

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM)

Kai Brandt, Kai.Brandt@t-online.de, March 08, 2001

1 OHIM

1.1 History

Office for the Harmonization of the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) in Alicante has been established by Regulation (EC) No. 40/94 of December 20, 1993 on the Community trade mark. The Office's opening date has been finally set on April 1, 1996.

1.2 The OHIM's task

The OHIM's task is "to promote and manage trade marks and designs within the European Union". It carries out registration procedures for titles to Community industrial property and it keeps public registers of these titles.

1.3 Legal Status

The Office is a body of the European Community. It has legal personality. In each of the Member States the Office enjoys the most extensive legal capacity accorded to legal persons under their laws; it may, in particular, acquire or dispose of movable and immovable property and may be a party to legal proceedings. The Office shall be represented by its President Wubbo de Boer. The Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities applies to the Office.

2 Alicante

Alicante is the southernmost of the three provinces which make up the Valencia region. Many tourist attractions can be found along the coastline, including sport of all kinds, mountains, castles, forests, etc. There are clearly defined areas in the province, such as, Upper Marina, with the towns of Jávea, Teulada, Benitachell and Calpe. Lower Marina, which is made up on the zone which centres around Benidorm, includes Altea and Villajoyosa and also the foothills of the Aitana Sierra (1,580m). The central area of Alicante extends inland towards the industrial area with the towns of Elche, Aspe, Movelda and Elda. The southern area with the maritime towns of Guardamar, Torrevieja and Orihuela with extensive plains of market gardens which extend inland. The mountain area which includes the foothills of Aitana, Mariola and Carrasqueta Sierras. Especially important is the route of the castles, made up of the fortresses of Villena, Bañeres, Biar, Castalla, Sax and Benejama. The city of Alicante offers the visitor numerous beaches including San Juan, and also tourists should visit Santa Barbara Castle, Monastery of Santa Faz, the Cathedral, the Archaeeological Museum, Church of Santa Maria and the Modern Art Museum. Access to the city is linked to the Mediterranean Highway which stretches to the French border and runs through the main Spanish coastal cities. Regular flights are available from El Altet airport to the world's main cities and the port offers regular runs to Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, France and North Africa. More interesting information about Alicante as well as accommodation and travel notes can be found at www.alicante.com.