Klauzule generalne w prawie o zwalczaniu nieuczciwej konkurencji

General clauses in the law of unfair competition are the subject of this article. The author acknowledges that a general clause could be understood in two ways. First of all, as a norm resulting from a provision, which authorizes an entity applying the law to base its decision on a non-legal criterion. Second of all, a term not precisely formulated. The necessity for general clauses in unfair competition law is caused by the impossibility to accurately determine all possible forms of unfair practices of those entities on the market, whose goal is to acquire consumers for their goods (services).Przedmiotem artykułu są klauzule generalne w prawie o zwalczaniu nieuczciwej konkurencji. Autor przyjmuje, iż klauzula generalna może być rozumiana dwojako. Po pierwsze, jako norma wynikająca z przepisu upoważniającego podmiot stosujący prawo do oparcia swojego orzeczenia na kryterium pozaprawnym. Po drugie, jako sam zwrot nieostry. Konieczność klauzuli generalnej w prawie o zwalczaniu nieuczciwej konkurencji wynika z niemożliwego do precyzyjnego ustalenia wszystkich możliwych postaci nieuczciwych działań przedsiębiorców na rynku w celu pozyskania klientów dla swoich towarów (usług)

Legal opinion on a unitary patent protection in the European Union from the Polish perspective

The opinion deals with the enhanced cooperation in the area of a unitary patent protection system in the European Union, particularly the establishing of a Unified Patent Court. The author examines the consequences of Poland’s participation and non-participation in this agreement in the context of the situation of natural and legal persons. He claims that the implementation of a unitary patent protection may raise doubts as to the compliance of this agreement with the Constitution of the Republic of Poland in relation to resolution of disputes over infringements of patent rights. He also stresses that, currently, Polish citizens may apply for patent protection from the European Patent Office

The acquired distinctive character of a trade mark as a consequence of its use (grounds, dates and proof of use)

Ryszard Skubisz - profesor zwyczajny, doktor habilitowany, Kierownik Katedry Prawa Unii Europejskiej Wydziału Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej; rzecznik patentowy i radca prawny.The subject of this commentary – the acquired distinctive character of a trade mark as a consequence of its use – is a very practical issue. Especially with regard to the grounds, dates and proof of use necessary to establish the acquired distinctive character of a trade mark which was devoid of inherent distinctive character. The Author provides an interpretation of the appropriate regulations laid down in the Industrial Property Act of 2000. He also takes into consideration the newest judgments of the EU Court of Justice based on a reference for a preliminary ruling. Discussing the criteria for establishing the acquired distinctiveness and the methodology for its correct evaluation. Another issue addressed is the evaluation of the provision of the Polish law where the distinctive character of the trade mark was acquired as a consequence of the use of that trade mark after the date of its application for registration. Article 165 (1) (3) of the Industrial Property Act, which addresses the issue of acquired distinctiveness, raises considerable doubts as to its accordance with EU law. Therefore, the Author suggests that a reference for a preliminary ruling should be raised. However until such a judgment is made the current meaning of the said Article needs to be applied. It should, nevertheless, be subject to very strict interpretation, especially with regard to trade marks which were applied for registration under the currently applicable law.Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej203-22