The Office of Economic Affairs informs that from January 1, 2026, written powers of attorney will no longer be required for applications for amendments and transfers of trade marks and designs. This practice has already been in place for new applications for some time and will now be extended to all trade mark and design applications. This adjustment will simplify the procedure for trademark and design owners and their representatives. At the same time, it meets a clear wish expressed by practitioners. The amendment is based on the statutory power of representation of attorneys-at-law and patent attorneys, which means that a separate power of attorney is generally not required. However, the Office of Economic Affairs expressly reserves the right to request the submission of a power of attorney in justified individual cases if this appears necessary to clarify the representation relationship or to ensure the proper conduct of the proceedings.