IPKAT reports that several brand owner associations (such as MARQUES) have issued a communique in support of the European Commission’s proposal to abolish the post-filing search report delivered by the Community Trademark office, OHIM.  Unlike the U.S., these searches of prior filed marks are for informational purposes only and the results do not serve as bases for rejecting applications.  Given that one of my clients was recently charged about $200 by the foreign associate for merely forwarding the report (and asking if I wanted a detailed analysis), abolishing the search has its merits.