On January 30, 2020, the Director-General of the WHO declared that an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the People’s Republic of China constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak has affected communications between the People’s Republic of China and the European Union.

    The European Union Intellectual Property Office has adopted the following decision on February 14, 2020: In accordance with Article 101(4) EUTMR and Article 58(4) CDIR, all time limits expiring between 30 January 2020 and 28 February 2020 inclusive that affect parties in proceedings before the Office having their residence or registered office in People’s Republic of China are extended until 29 February 2020.

    This decision will enter into force on the day following its adoption and will be published in the Office Journal of the Office.