Article QQ.C.6: {Examination, Opposition and Cancellation / Procedural Aspects}
Each Party shall provide a system for the examination and registration of trademarks which shall include, inter alia:
(a) providing to the applicant a communication in writing, which may be electronic, of the reasons for any refusal to register a trademark;
(b) providing the opportunity for the applicant to respond to communications from the competent authorities, to contest an initial refusal, and to appeal judicially any final refusal to register a trademark;
(c) providing an opportunity to oppose the registration of a trademark or to seek cancellation18 of a trademark; and
(d) requiring that administrative decisions in opposition and cancellation proceedings be reasoned and in writing. Written decisions may be provided electronically.
What this means: More transparency and accountability in trademark prosecution matters. If a Party does not have or chooses not to create a pre-registration opposition procedure, they must provide a similar cancellation procedure.