What does "bona fide" refer to in the context of the new owner of an international trademark application?

In the context of international trademark applications, "bona fide" refers to a legitimate business interest in a member country. This term emphasizes the requirement that the new owner must have a genuine and active interest in using the trademark in commerce within that jurisdiction.

Having a bona fide intention signifies that the owner is not merely holding the trademark for defensive purposes or speculative investments, but rather is prepared to utilize the trademark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered. This principle is important, as it ensures that trademarks serve their primary purpose of indicating the source of goods and services while also preventing trademark squatting or misuse.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of "bona fide" in this context. A temporary legal status does not reflect the need for a substantive and genuine business interest, an informal partnership doesn't relate to the ownership or legitimate use of a trademark, and the notion of only registered businesses excludes the broader spectrum of legitimate interests that can exist beyond formal registration.