EU - A new web site for the OHIM

OHIM, the EU agency for the registration of Community trade marks and registered Community designs, has a new website since 1st of July.
Improved services in five languages for interested professionals are included in a specific area. Access to databases and all filings forms has also been facilitated to users.
Newcomers are welcomed with a number of new services to facilitate understanding and access to key information. Users may for example subscribe to e-mail alerts or interact directly with the agency via online discussions and polls.

Steiffel is quitting China due to quality problems

German cult-brand of soft bear toys Steiffel is to pull back from its outsourcing of the manufacture of its products from China, citing quality problems which could be detrimental to its brand image.The company's managing director Martin Frechen is quoted as saying that Chinese production lines had saved Steiff money on salaries but cost the company its reputation: "For prime quality products, you can't count on China." German analysts suggest Steiff's return could mark the beginning of an exodus from China of foreign companies initially beguiled by savings but ultimately disappointed by quality.