If I may add to that, though, again, at the moment, if a trademark has been used already—and a good number of them are before someone files an application—there is a requirement to state that in the application itself. It also technically is a declaration, but it can be stated in the application that use has occurred and a date of use can be provided. That's all useful information when trying to clear marks.
On May 12th, 2014. See this statement in context.