KluwerManualIP.com News Alert

US and Hungary agree to make PPH permanent

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:42:19 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to make permanent the ongoing Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme between the two countries.

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Syria has new IP law

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:41:23 GMT

In March 2012 the Syrian legislature passed a new law on patents utility models integrated circuits and layouts which is intended to replace Syria's existing Law No. 47 of 1946.

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Montenegro to grant 25-year protection for industrial designs

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:40:25 GMT

In late 2011 Montenegro deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Design (Geneva Act) which became effective with respect to Montenegro on 5 March 2012.

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First compulsory license in India

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:28:50 GMT

In a much-awaited decision with ramifications for the pharma industry in March 2012 the Indian Patent Office issued its first compulsory licensing order relating to generic drugs.

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USPTO tests post-final rejection procedure

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:28:18 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced a pilot program governing procedures for applications after a final rejection has been made.

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Israel to provide ISRs and IPERs for PCT applications

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:27:25 GMT

The Israel Patent Authority has announced that it will provide International Search Reports (ISR) and International Preliminary Examination Reports (IPER) of applications made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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United Kingdom ratifies Singapore Treaty

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:26:32 GMT

The United Kingdom has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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Canada accepts sound marks

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:25:44 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has recently announced that it will now accept sound marks.

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Tunisia accedes to Geneva Act

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:22:47 GMT

Tunisia has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

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Spanish court redefines concept of local novelty

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:24:30 GMT

The Court of Appeals of Madrid has established that online patent databases can be used as evidence of prior art for the purpose of canceling Spanish utility models, even when such prior art is in languages other than Spanish.

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Montenegro implements new industrial design regulation

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:23:45 GMT

Montenegro has adopted a new industrial design regulation that will apply to the registration, maintenance and renewal of industrial designs.

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US Supreme Court vacates Myriad decision

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:22:47 GMT

In March 2010, in Association for Molecular Pathology and ACLU v. USPTO and Myriad, the Southern District of New York court held that certain cancer gene patents held by Myriad were invalid, a decision that was then contradictory to the United States Patent and Trademark Office's practice of granting patents on DNA sequences so long as they are claimed as "isolated DNA".

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Argentina now grants immediately consecutive term for trademark renewals

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:21:57 GMT

The Argentine Patent and Trademark Office has issued Resolution No. M-1735/11, which provides that renewal applications will be granted for 10 years starting from the expiration date of the registration that is being renewed, thus causing the trademark terms to be immediately consecutive.

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Patents Act for Ireland amended to allow ratification of London Agreement

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:20:58 GMT

A new patent law, the Patents (Amendment) Act of 2012, has recently been signed into law in Ireland.

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USPTO to use interim Bilski guidelines in wake of Prometheus decision

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:19:06 GMT

In the wake of the US Supreme Court's decision in Mayo v. Prometheus, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has distributed a short memorandum to examiners providing additional guidance on subject matter eligibility.

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US Supreme Court decision could negatively impact patents relating to diagnostic methods

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:13:42 GMT

In Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, a case that involves claims directed to methods for determining whether an effective amount of a drug is being administered to a patient, at trial, the United States District Court held that the claims of the patents-in-suit were outside the scope of patent-eligible subject matter under Section 101 of the Patent Act and, thus, invalid.

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Proposed new trademark law for Greece

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:11:56 GMT

Legislation has been recently introduced into the Greek Parliament proposing a new trademark law for the country.

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Rwanda nominates Austria as search authority for PCT applications

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:10:49 GMT

The Rwandan Office of the Registrar General has nominated the Austrian Patent Office as competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty by nationals and residents of Rwanda with the Office of the Registrar General as receiving Office.

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Merxico and Dominican Republic sign technical cooperation agreement

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:36:38 GMT

IMPI, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, and ONAPI, the Dominican Republic's National Office of Industrial Property, have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two countries cooperate to strengthen their systems for the protection of industrial property rights.

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USA and Mexico extend Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:34:54 GMT

The pilot Patent Prosecution Highway programme launched in 2011 by the USPTO, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and IMPI, the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, which was due to end on 29 February 2012, has been extended to 31 August 2012.

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Finnish patent board to require one copy of application documents

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:22:26 GMT

The National Board of Patents and Registration (NBPR) of Finland has announced that they will require one copy of both patent and utility model applications with all relevant enclosures for filings.

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Bulgaria to apply level two of the standard designation fee

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:21:15 GMT

The Bulgarian Patent Office (BPO) has announced the application of level two of the standard designation fee, under Rule 12(1)(c)(i) of the Common Regulations under the Hague Agreement.

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Ireland ratifies PLT

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:19:46 GMT

Ireland has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of its ratification of the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) of 2000.

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UK and Germany commence PPH

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:18:11 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UK IPO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) have launched a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme.

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Austria, Hungary and Romania to establish common ISA/IPEA in Budapest

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:01:50 GMT

A Central European patent institute in Budapest, to be called the Danube Patent Institute (DPI), is scheduled to be established due to the joint efforts of Austria, Hungary and Romania.

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PPH pilot program between JPO and Israel Patent Office commences

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:00:08 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Israel Patent Office have announced a patent prosecution highway (PPH) pilot programme for one year.

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Cuba makes changes to industrial property law

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:58:26 GMT

The government of Cuba has enacted three new laws relating to industrial property rights.

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TMview now includes Romanian and Lithuanian marks

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:56:28 GMT

TMview, the database of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) that provides free access to trademark data, will now also list trademark applications and registrations from Romania and Lithuania.

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Turkmenistan amends IP laws

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:54:32 GMT

Turkmenistan's new IP law, which amended its Civil Code Part 4, entered into force on 19 January 2012.

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PPH Mottainai revised; now includes EPO

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:52:48 GMT

In July 2011, the patent offices of eight countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, Japan, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States) launched a new patent prosecution highway project, the PPH MOTTAINAI, under which a patent applicant may request accelerated examination of an application that has been assumed as patentable by the patent office of any of the participating countries without regard to where the application was first filed.

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Chile adopts changes to conform to TLT and PCT

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:26:06 GMT

The Patent Cooperation Treaty and the Trademark Law Treaty came into force in Chile on 9 June 2011 and 5 August 2011, respectively.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes party to PLT

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:24:03 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Patent Law Treaty ("PLT").

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Japan and the Philippines commence PPH based on national and PCT applications

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:20:53 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) have agreed to commence a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme.

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Korea revises trademark law

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:02:49 GMT

Following closely on the enactment of the Free Trade Agreement between Korea and the United States late last year, South Korea adopted a new Trademark Law.

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Colombia revises trademark application process

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:20 GMT

Earlier this year, Colombia acceded to the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT), which will become effective with respect to Colombia in April 2012.

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Ireland implements new fees

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:58:17 GMT

Effective 1 February 2012, Ireland has amended the fees payable for certain trademark and patent matters.

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JPO revises examination guidelines for patent term extension

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:56:11 GMT

In late 2011, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) published for public comments its proposed revisions to the examination guidelines for patent term extension.

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Effective date delayed for local registered agents in Cayman Islands

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:28:36 GMT

Effective 7 December 2011, a new patent and trademark law in the Cayman Islands introduced a number of changes including a requirement that only a registered agent resident in the Cayman Islands may transact business with the Cayman Islands Registry of Patents and Trade Marks.

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Malaysia updates industrial design regulations

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:21:43 GMT

The Malaysian Intellectual Property Office has introduced changes to the Industrial Design Regulations of Malaysia, which became effective 15 February 2012.

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Israel publishes guidelines on patentability of software inventions

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:37:29 GMT

The Israel Patent Office has recently published guidelines relating to the patentability of software inventions by stating in effect that the term "industrial application" in section 3 of the Israel Patent Law of 1967 may be fulfilled by patents in any field of technology.

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Venezuelan PTO eliminates requirement for trademark search results

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:35:58 GMT

The Venezuelan Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has begun to permit applicants to file trademark applications along with a copy of the search payment receipt, thus eliminating the need to enclose a hard copy of the search results.

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Israel to accept trademark applications in colour

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:34:45 GMT

By Commissioner Circular No. 012/2012, the Israel Patent Office has announced that trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol may be filed in colour, and will be accepted as such.

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USPTO launches Patents for Humanity program

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:32:53 GMT

In a bid to encourage the registration of patents that serve humanitarian purposes, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched the pilot of its Patents for Humanity program.

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USPTO seeks public opinion on proposed fees under AIA

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:30:40 GMT

Under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) that became law late last year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) was given the authority to set its fees.

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UK and Canada commence PPH

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:46:32 GMT

The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) have launched a two-year patent prosecution highway (PPH) pilot programme.

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Canada extends PPH programmes with Denmark, Japan and Korea

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:45:29 GMT

In late 2009, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) signed agreements to launch two-year pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programmes with each of Denmark, Japan and South Korea, which were set to expire on 30 September 2011.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes party to Vienna Agreement

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:43:46 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina has submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks (the Vienna Agreement).

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Montenegro becomes party to Patent Law Treaty

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:42:40 GMT

Montenegro has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Patent Law Treaty adopted in Geneva on 1 June 2000 (the Patent Law Treaty).

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Serbia gets new patent law

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:40:44 GMT

Serbia has enacted a new patent law introducing many important changes to that area of law.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Sweden

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:39:31 GMT

The individual fee payable when Sweden is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 21 February 2012.

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Tajikistan becomes party to the Geneva Act

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:37:36 GMT

Tajikistan has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs signed in Geneva on 2 July 1999 (the Geneva Act).

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Colombia accedes to Trademark Law Treaty

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:06:07 GMT

Colombia has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT).

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USPTO and EPO extend PPH

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:05:12 GMT

In September 2008, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) entered into a trial Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme that enabled an applicant whose claims have been determined to be patentable by the patent office of first filing (OFF) to receive accelerated examination in the patent office of second filing (OSF), as well as allowing the OSF to utilize the work products of the OFF.

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EPO and Japan Patent Office extend PPH

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:40 GMT

In January 2010, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japanese Patent Office (JPO) launched a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme that allowed applicants to obtain corresponding patents faster and more efficiently while also providing for the usage by EPO and the JPO of each other's work product in order to avoid duplication and expedite the examination process.

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Vanuatu becomes party to WIPO Convention

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:02:21 GMT

Vanuatu has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO Convention).

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Germany and China launch PPH pilot

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:01:17 GMT

In October 2011, the Chinese Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) entered into an agreement to establish a patent prosecution highway (PPH) to facilitate increased efficiency and to accelerate the examination process with respect to patent applications filed in their two offices.

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Danish and Israeli patent offices launch PPH based on national work products

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:59:51 GMT

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) and the Israeli Patent Office (ILPO) have agreed to launch a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme.

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Danish and Russian patent offices launch PPH based on national and PCT work products

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:57:25 GMT

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) and the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) have agreed to launch a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme.

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Montenegro accedes to Strasbourg Agreement

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:17:41 GMT

Montenegro has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification (the Strasbourg Agreement).

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Chile revises patent fees

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:17:42 GMT

The Chilean National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has announced revised fees related to expert examinations for applications for patents, utility models, industrial designs and related matters.

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New patent and trademark law in the Cayman Islands

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:12:23 GMT

Effective 7 December 2011, a new patent and trademark law in the Cayman Islands introduced a number of changes.

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Colombia not to apply 10th edition of Nice Classification

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:41:08 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) previously announced that the 10th edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services (the Nice Classification) will become effective with respect to trademark applications effective 1 January 2012.

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Spain discontinues use of community search system

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:39:53 GMT

Effective 1 January 2012, the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (OEPM) has discontinued participation in the European Community search program.

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Turkey redefines evidence of use

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:38:47 GMT

In a landmark decision on non-use criteria in Turkey, particularly as it relates to broadcasting services, the Turkish Court of Appeals has upheld the logic that "use" does not require broadcasting to be in the national language or from a residence or broadcasting station within Turkey for the trademark owner's rights within Turkey to be recognized.

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Leahy-Smith America Invents Act: USPTO releases draft rules implementing new patent act

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:35:48 GMT

Although some provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act became effective late last year, immediately after the adoption of the act, the effectiveness of many of its provisions was delayed to allow for, among other things, rulemaking by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

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Fee changes in Serbia

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:45:07 GMT

Effective 1 January 2012, the Intellectual Property Office of Serbia (Serbian IPO) has made changes to a number of fees payable in conjunction with certain industrial property applications.

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Argentina changes method of calculation of term of renewal for trademarks

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:38:57 GMT

The Argentinian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has notified of a change in the manner in which it will calculate the beginning of the renewal term of trademarks.

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USPTO again extends deadline for participation in green technology pilot

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:37:21 GMT

In December 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced the launch of a Green Technology Pilot Program to accelerate the examination of certain "green technology" patent applications filed before December 8, 2009.

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Russian agency to act as PCT search authority for USPTO

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:35:45 GMT

Under an agreement between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent), Rospatent will be available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for international applications filed with the USPTO as the receiving office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Final rule change for Track One applications at the USPTO

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:31:20 GMT

In early 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) released proposed requirements for participation in the so-called "Track One" of the three-track patent examination initiative originally announced in 2010.

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“Extended Missing Parts” pilot programme term extended by USPTO

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:28:04 GMT

In late 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented a pilot programme in which an applicant could request a 12-month time period to pay certain fees and to reply to a Notice to File Missing Parts of Nonprovisional Application.

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Montenegro now publishes national trademark applications for opposition

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:51:30 GMT

In accordance with the new trademark law of December 2010, the seventh Official Gazette of the Montenegro IPO, issued on 20 December 2011, includes details of national trademark applications to give third parties the opportunity to file an opposition. Only registered trademarks were published in previous Gazettes.

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Montenegro accedes to the Vienna Agreement

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:49:39 GMT

Montenegro has deposited its instrument of accession to the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks as adopted at Vienna on 12 June 1973 and as amended on 1 October 1985.

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Revised fees for Turkmenistan for applications made under the Madrid Protocol

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:55:25 GMT

The individual fee payable with respect to Turkmenistan for applications under the Madrid Protocol has been modified effective 20 January 2012.

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Changes in fees charged under the Madrid Protocol for Tajikistan

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:51:43 GMT

The individual fee payable when Tajikistan is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 15 January 2012.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Georgia

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:43:03 GMT

The individual fee payable when Georgia is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 19 January 2012.

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Montenegro accedes to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:40:59 GMT

Montenegro has deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, or the Geneva Act, adopted at Geneva on July 2, 1999.

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Ireland ratifies UPOV

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:38:41 GMT

Ireland has deposited its instrument of ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) on 8 December 2011.

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Japan commences PPH with Norway and Iceland

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:19:39 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has entered into patent prosecution highway (PPH) pilot programmes with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) and the Icelandic Patent Office (IPO).

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Russian Federation Council approves creation of IP specialized court

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:18:21 GMT

The creation of a new judicial body designed to settle legal arguments related to intellectual property and patent rights has been approved by the Russian Federation Council, aiming to use expertise to more effectively solve such disputes while also helping to reduce the load at regular courts.

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Brunei accedes to Paris Convention

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:17:02 GMT

The Government of Brunei Darussalam has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property of 20 March 1883, as revised at Stockholm on 14 July 1967, and as amended on 28 September 1979 (Paris Convention).

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EU and Switzerland enter into GI agreement

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:37:36 GMT

The agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Swiss Confederation on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs, which was adopted and ratified earlier this year, became effective 1 December 2011.

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EPO fees revised effective 1 April 2012

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:36:47 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that the administrative fees provided for in its implementing regulations and the fees for certain services rendered by the EPO will be revised effective 1 April 2012.

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Singapore revises IP fees

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:35:48 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has announced changes to the fees it charges for, among other things, trademark registrations, patent search and examinations and international patent applications entering Singapore.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Singapore

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:34:54 GMT

The individual fee payable when Singapore is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 20 December 2011.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Turkey

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:34:05 GMT

The individual fee payable when Turkey is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 1 January 1, 2012.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Israel

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:32:57 GMT

The individual fee payable when Israel is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 1 January 1, 2012.

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EU court rules on SPCs

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:44:51 GMT

In a move that will harmonize law in the European Union (EU) on applications for Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) recently delivered its judgment on the grant of SPCs in the EU for medicinal products.

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Taiwan passes amendments to Patent Act

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:43:40 GMT

On 29 November 2011, the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan passed comprehensive amendments to Taiwan's Patent Act that were originally proposed by the Executive Yuan.

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US and Iceland commence PPH pilot

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:42:44 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Icelandic Patent Office (IPO) have agreed to enter into a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme between the two countries.

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Changes in fees charged under Hague Agreement for Hungary

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:41:40 GMT

The individual fee payable when Hungary is designated in an international application under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs will change effective 1 January 2012.

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Portugal follows OHIM change to 10th edition of Nice Classification

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:40:11 GMT

In line with the change to the 10th edition of the Nice Classification announced by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property has announced that it will also change over to application of the 10th edition of the Nice Classification.

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Sweden to provide updated online services

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:22:29 GMT

The Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) has announced the launch of a new and improved online application system, which will be operational from 1 December 2011.

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Lithuania accedes to PLT

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:21:32 GMT

Lithuania has deposited its instrument of accession to the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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Italy advises of changes in fee schedule for depositary authority

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:20:15 GMT

Italy has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of changes in the fees charged by the Advanced Biotechnology Center (ABC) of Italy as a depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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USPTO amends rules of practice in BPAI ex parte appeals

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:19:22 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published amended rules governing practice before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) in ex parte patent appeals, which will be applicable to all notices of appeal filed on or after January 23, 2012.

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USPTO implements fee for non-electronic filing

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:18:29 GMT

The USPTO has announced that the US $400 fee for filing an application non-electronically, as provided in the new America Invents Act (AIA), is in effect for applicaitons filed on or after 15 November 2011.

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Korea amends trademark regulations to allow third party requests for expedited examinations

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:17:16 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has amended its regulation on requests for expedited examination of trademark applications to now allow interested third parties to make this request.

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Brazil to fast-track green patent applications

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:53:56 GMT

The Brazilian Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has announced a pilot programme to fast-track patent applications relating to so-called "green" initiatives.

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OHIM announces switch to 10th edition of Nice Classification

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:52:58 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) has announced that it will apply the 10th edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Registration of Marks (the Nice Classification) for all European Union trademark (EU trademark, formerly Community trademark or CTM) applications made on and after 1 January 2012.

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Germany follows OHIM change to 10th edition of Nice Classification

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:50:58 GMT

In line with the change to the 10th edition of the Nice Classification announced by OHIM, the German Patent and Trademark Office has announced that it will also change over to application of the 10th edition of the Nice Classification.

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China and Korea agree to commence PPH pilot

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:45:25 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) have signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to, among other things, the establishment of a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme.

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Triway PPH extended

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:43:13 GMT

In early 2010, the Trilateral Offices of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) commenced a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme utilizing work products such as international search reports, written opinions, and international preliminary examination reports under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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US and China to enter into PPH pilots

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:36:48 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) have signed a joint statement of intent to commence Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilots to reduce patent backlogs and increase the efficiency of the two offices.

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South Africa passes Traditional Knowledge Bill

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:35:48 GMT

The South African Government has passed the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill (better known as the Traditional Knowledge Bill) that seeks to protect traditional knowledge as a variation of designs, patents, etc.

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Opposition procedure for registration of Italian trademarks becomes effective

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:34:24 GMT

In May 2011, the Italian Ministry for Economic Development passed the Opposition Decree, paving the way for the Italian Patent and Trademark Office to allow opposition proceedings with respect to trademark applications in Italy.

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London Agreement effected in Finland

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:29:27 GMT

Acts 742/2011 and 743/2011 have taken effect in Finland, signaling the last steps in Finland's conformity with the Agreement on Article 65 EPC, better known as the London Agreement.

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US and Norway enter into PPH pilot

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:27:20 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) have embarked upon a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot project.

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Sudan changes legalization requirements for powers of attorney

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:55:48 GMT

The Sudanese Registrar has announced that, instead of a legalized power of attorney, it will accept a duly signed power of attorney for trademark, design and patents filings as well as for the related renewal applications.

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Macedonia Ratifies London Agreement

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:54:42 GMT

The Macedonian Assembly has ratified the Agreement on the application of Article 65 of the European Patent Convention on the Grant of European Patents, also known as the London Agreement.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for San Marino

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:51:39 GMT

The individual fee payable when San Marino is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 December 2011.

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Another step towards Cooperative Patent Classification

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:43:37 GMT

Earlier this year, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that agreement had been reached on the principles of the new Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) among the so-called Five IP Offices (the USPTO, the EPO, the Japan Patent Office, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the State Intellectual Property Office of China).

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JPO and SIPO to embark on PPH pilot in November

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:41:21 GMT

The Japanese Patent Office (JPO) and the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) of China have announced the launch of a patent prosecution highway (PPH) pilot program.

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EU General Court defines genuine use of a trademark

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:39:41 GMT

The General Court of the European Union (EU) has recently handed down a judgment that clarifies the requirements for the genuine use of a trademark sufficient to keep alive a registration in the EU.

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IPONZ ramps up online services

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:14:33 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has announced changes to its online patent and design renewal service enabling users to file a renewal fee for a lapsed patent or design subject to a restoration application.

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EU court bans patents on human embryo stem cells for research or commercial uses

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:13:23 GMT

In a decision that focused on the ethical boundaries of patenting, the European Court of Justice has held against allowing the patenting of human embryo stem cells for scientific research or commercial purposes.

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UK revises guidance on patentability of computer programs

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:12:10 GMT

In light of the recent decision in the Halliburton case (Halliburton's Applications [2011] EWHC 2508 (Pat)), the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UK IPO) has revised its guidance on the mental act exclusion relating to patentability of computer programs.

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China proposes amendments to compulsory patent licensing

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:10:42 GMT

The new Chinese patent law and the related implementing regulations contain provisions for compulsory patent licensing.

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US and Hungary extend PPH

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:47:00 GMT

On 1 July 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO) commenced a one-year pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Bulgaria

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:45:57 GMT

The individual fee payable when Bulgaria is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 6 November 2011.

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New fees under Madrid Protocol for China

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:42:55 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization has changed the individual fee payable when China is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol, which fees will become effective on 6 November 2011.

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Denmark and Japan expand PPH

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:22:11 GMT

The pilot program for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO), which was launched in July 2008, will now be expanded to include patent applications that have been deemed patentable by the JPO in its capacity as International Searching Authority or International Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Japan launches PCT-PPH with Nordic Institute

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:21:02 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Nordic Patent Institute (NPI) have entered into a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), pursuant to which the JPO will rely on the results of patent searches and examinations carried out by the NPI in the international phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Finland becomes party to London Agreement

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:19:10 GMT

Finland has deposited its instrument of accession to the London Agreement, which will enter into force with respect to Finland on 1 November 2011.

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ACTA launched

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:17:15 GMT

After long drawn out negotiations on a final draft last year, eight countries finally signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in Tokyo on 1 October 2011.

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UK IPO facilitates online inspection of patent application files

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:15:40 GMT

On the heels of changes to the patent law of the United Kingdom that became effective on 1 October 2011, the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UKIPO) will be able to make patent applications available online.

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Yemen changes design protection features and trademark and design fees

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:14:06 GMT

Yemen has recently effected changes to official fees for trademark and design filings.

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Dominican Republic becomes party to TLT

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:11:05 GMT

The Dominican Republic has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT) with WIPO.

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Kazakhstan accedes to PLT

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:10:05 GMT

WIPO has announced the accession of Kazakhstan to the Patent Law Treaty (PLT).

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New law on plant variety protection for Turkmenistan

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:09:12 GMT

Turkmenistan has finally acquired a law regulating the patent protection given to animal breeds and plant varieties.

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USPTO updates fee schedule in light of new patent law

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:07:05 GMT

The newly enacted America Invents Act mandates a 15% surcharge on certain patent fees effective 26 September 2011.

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USPTO implements "Track One" Fast-Track Patent Processing

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:04:41 GMT

Earlier this year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) released proposed requirements for participation in the so-called "Track One" of the three-track patent examination initiative originally announced in 2010 and announced a start date of 4 May 2011, which was then postponed until further notice.

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Sweden becomes party to the Singapore Treaty

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:01:56 GMT

The Kingdom of Sweden has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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Amendments to New Zealand’s trademark law become effective

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:30:46 GMT

Amendments to New Zealand's trademark law were effected on 15 September 2011 in the form of the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2011.

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The America Invents Act is finally law

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:27:20 GMT

As the final step in the long story of American patent reform, on Friday, 16 September 2011, President Barack Obama signed into the law the America Invents Act, the new patent law of the United States.

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Further proposed amendments to Chinese trademark law

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:22:32 GMT

On 2 September 2011, the Chinese State Council's Legislative Affairs Office released for public comment a new draft of the proposed amendments to the Chinese trademark law.

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Sweden implements new Trademark Act

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:34:47 GMT

Sweden's Trademark Act (2010:1877) became effective 1 July 2011, replacing the old Trademark Act (1960:44) and the Collective Marks Act (1960:45) after more than 50 years.

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Patent reform bill in the United States passed

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:34:08 GMT

In a historic step that signals the end of its long and convoluted passage through the United States Congress, the United States Senate voted to approve H.R. 1249, better known as the America Invents Act.

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UK IPO changes wording of patent rules to clarify time frames

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:54:58 GMT

The United Kingdom has passed Patents (Amendment) Rules 2011, which will become effective on 1 October 2011.

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Canada issues guidance on review of business method patents

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:53:42 GMT

In light of ruling of the Canadian Federal Court in Amazon.com Inc. v. Commissioner of Patents, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has distributed, on 1 August 2011, a set of guidelines for examiners in their review of business method patents.

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Indian Supreme Court hears Novartis patent challenge

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:51:29 GMT

In early September, the Indian Supreme Court heard a challenge by Novartis against a provision in Indian patent law that prevents "evergreening" -- the extension of drug patents for minor changes in existing products.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Japan

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:45 GMT

The individual fee payable when Japan is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 1 October 2011.

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UK IPO to cease trademark reclassifications

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:59:27 GMT

Historically, due to the various changes relative to goods and services under Class 42 of the Nice Classification, the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UKIPO) allowed holders of trademarks registered under Class 42 to reclassify affected goods and services.

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Changes in fees charged under the Hague Agreement for EU

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:58:04 GMT

The individual designation fee payable when the European Union is designated in an international application under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs will change effective 1 October 2011.

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Kosovo's new trademark law to become effective in early September

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:56:04 GMT

Kosovo's new law on trademarks, to become effective on 8 September 2011, along with Kosovo's new laws on industrial designs and patents, to become effective on 5 and 13 September, 2011, respectively, are intended to bring IP legislation in Kosovo in line with current EU legislation.

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Sudan introduces utility model protection

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:41:34 GMT

Until recently, Sudan's intellectual property laws did not address utility models and, accordingly, it was not possible to apply for protection for utility models in Sudan.

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United States and Taiwan begin PPH pilot

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:40:11 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) have agreed to enter into a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme between the two countries.

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Changes in fees charged under the Hague Agreement for OAPI

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:38:39 GMT

The individual designation fee payable when the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is designated in an international application under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs will change effective 1 October 2011.

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New trademark, patent and industrial design laws for Kosovo

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:46:14 GMT

The Assembly of Kosovo approved three new industrial property-related laws on 29 July 2011, which are due to enter into force 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette.

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Notice from UKIPO on case management of inter partes proceedings

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:44:36 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom (UKIPO) has published a tribunal practice notice relating to case management of inter partes proceedings before the Trade Marks Tribunal.

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TIPO amends patent fees

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:37:27 GMT

The 'Regulation of Patent Fees' promulgated by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) on 1 July 2011 has been partially amended.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Uzbekistan

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:35:41 GMT

The individual fee payable when Uzbekistan is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Bahrain to change

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:34:12 GMT

The individual fee payable when Bahrain is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Ghana

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:32:32 GMT

The individual fee payable when Ghana is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Turkmenistan to change

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:31:06 GMT

The individual fee payable when Turkmenistan is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Ukraine to change

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:29:29 GMT

The individual fee payable when Ukraine is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for the United States

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 02:27:25 GMT

The individual fee payable when the United States is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 September 2011.

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USPTO proposes to amend duty to disclose rules

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:19:05 GMT

In light of the recent decision of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Therasense v. Becton-Dickinson, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has proposed amending its rules relating to the standard of materiality for disclosure of information by applicants in a US patent prosecution.

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Foreign trademark applicants in Switzerland no longer require local representation

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:17:25 GMT

The Swiss Intellectual Property Office (Swiss IPO) has made a change to its regulations such that foreign trademark applicants are no longer required to be represented by a local representative.

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Slovakian entity communicates fee structure under Budapest Treaty

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:16:02 GMT

The Slovak Republic has communicated the fees for services rendered by Culture Collection of Yeasts (CCY), an international depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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Isolated DNA now patentable in the US

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:37:21 GMT

The Federal Circuit has handed down its much anticipated decision in the Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics case, holding that isolated DNA molecules, as well as methods relating to the screening for potential cancer therapeutics, are patent eligible subject material.

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JPO revises design examination criteria

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:36:07 GMT

Earlier this year, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) announced revisions to the examination criteria for design registrations, including (i) a comprehensive overhaul of the requirements for submission of drawings (partial designs will also be registerable, as drawings omitting the parts not for registration will be accepted); (ii) clarification of the registration requirements for display designs; and (iii) allowing multiple displays to be regarded as one design.

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Rwanda joins ARIPO

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:33:32 GMT

Rwanda deposited its Instrument of Accession to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) on 22 May 2011.

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Canada streamlines PPH process

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:28:07 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has announced a series of initiatives to make it easier for applicants to seeking to file a request under any of the patent prosecution highway (PPH) agreements to which CIPO is currently a party.

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Montenegro IPO to undertake trademark availability searches

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:27:00 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of Montenegro announced that it will conduct official searches that cover registered trademarks as well as pending trademark applications.

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Bulgaria implements regulations regarding opposition procedure

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:25:54 GMT

Earlier this year, Bulgaria amended its Law on Marks and Geographical Indications and brought about significant changes to the trademark registration process in Bulgaria, including the introduction of the opposition process.

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Trademark law amendment in Mexico fast-tracks applications with Paris Convention priority filing date

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:18:53 GMT

Following publication in the Mexican Gazette, certain amendments to the Mexican Industrial Property Law became effective 13 June 2011.

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South American patent examination cooperation to commence in August

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:17:30 GMT

In January 2011, nine South American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay) entered into an effort to improve patent quality and efficiency through patent examination cooperation.

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Annual design fees reduced in Taiwan

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:09:03 GMT

Taiwan has announced a substantial reduction in design annuities as follows: first to third annuities have been reduced from approximately 7,000 yen to approximately 2,300 yen; fourth to sixth annuities have been reduced from approximately 9,800 yen to approximately 5,600 yen; and seventh to twelfth annuities have been reduced from approximately 14,000 yen to approximately 8,400 yen.

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BVI to continue to honour UK service mark registrations

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:07:50 GMT

Until recently, service marks already registered in the United Kingdom were registered in the British Virgin Islands under the United Kingdom Trade Marks Act ("UK Act").

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Korea gets new IP law

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:04:56 GMT

Historically, intellectual property rights in Korea were regulated through stand-alone laws, which resulted in isolated and fragmented policies.

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Opposition proceedings finally see daylight in Italy

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:27:17 GMT

In early May 2011, the Italian Ministry for Economic Development passed the Opposition Decree, paving the way for the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (Italian PTO) to allow opposition proceedings with respect to trademark applications in Italy.

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Japan lowers patent examination fees

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:25:03 GMT

The Japan Patent Office has announced that, pursuant to a Cabinet Order, patent examination fees will be lowered by on average 25 percent.

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Taiwan revises requirements for US priority claims

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:19:53 GMT

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has announced that patent applicants claiming priority rights previously filed with, and who have been issued priority documents in certified compact disk format by, the United States Patent and Trademark Office are no longer required to file paper copies of such documents with TIPO.

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EU Patent under attack by Italy and Spain

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:16:21 GMT

Earlier this year, the Council of the European Union authorized the creation of a unitary patent system in the European Union (EU) based on enhanced cooperation.

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Czech entity modifies fees under Budapest Treaty

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:02:54 GMT

The Government of the Czech Republic has notified that the fees charged by the Czech Collection of Microorganisms (CCM), an international depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure, will be changed.

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Changes in fees payable under the Hague Agreement with respect to Kyrgyzstan

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:00:57 GMT

The individual fee payable when Kyrgyzstan is designated in an international application under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs will change effective 1 August 2011.

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Design applications regulations of India revised

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:59:40 GMT

The Indian Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has published a manual revising the regulations concerning the examination of design applications.

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Portugal revises trademark filing and related fees

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:58:16 GMT

The National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) of Portugal has revised the fees payable for filing a trademark application and other trademark related fees.

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US Supreme Court grants certiorari in two patent cases

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:56:28 GMT

The Supreme Court of the United States has granted writs of certiorari in two patent related cases, Kappos v. Hyatt and Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. v. Novo Nordisk A/S, relating to questions on evidentiary requirements and correction of misstatements.

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New IP regulations for Gambia

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:04:02 GMT

A consolidated code of Regulations for the registration of patents, utility models, industrial designs and trade marks has come into force in Gambia effective 1 January 2011.

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Japan amends Patent Act

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:02:54 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) has published information with respect to an amendment to the Japanese Patent Act that was promulgated in May 2011.

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Criteria for Japanese design applicants to be revised

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:01:36 GMT

Based on public feedback, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has announced that revisions will be made regarding the examination criteria for design registrations.

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US House of Representatives passes America Invents Act

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:28 GMT

The United States House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 1249, better known as the America Invents Act, which is notable in that it intends to move patent law in the United States from a "first to invent" to a "first to file" system.

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Slovenia amends fee structure

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:58:52 GMT

The Slovenian Intellectual Property Office has announced revisions to certain fees applicable effective 1 July 2011 for certain industrial property matters.

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Madrid Protocol fees for the United Kingdom to change

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:56:15 GMT

The individual fee payable when the United Kingdom is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol Concerning the International Registration of Marks will change effective 1 August 2011.

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Israel and the United States enter into pilot PPH programme

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:48:09 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Israel Patent Office (ILPO) have agreed to launch a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme.

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USPTO launches PCT-PPH with Nordic Patent Institute

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:46:56 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Nordic Patent Institute (NPI) have entered into a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), pursuant to which the USPTO will rely on the results of patent searches and examinations carried out by the NPI in the international phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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United States and Korea expand PPH to include PCT work products

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:45:41 GMT

In May 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced the broadening of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between them to include positive international search reports with written opinions and positive international preliminary agreement examination reports issued by KIPO under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) as a basis for acceleration of patent applications filed with the USPTO.

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Changes to patent fees for Turkey

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:44:30 GMT

The national filing fees payable to the Turkish Patent Institute as designated (or elected) Office for patent and utility models has changed to Turkish lira (TRY) 500.

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Changes to requirements for entry into national phase in China

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:43:13 GMT

With respect to the entry of patent applications into the national phase, the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China (SIPO) has effected certain changes and some of the relevant fees have changed.

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Launch of new fast-track patent prosecution highway

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:41:48 GMT

The patent offices of eight countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, Japan, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States) have agreed to launch a new patent prosecution highway project, the PPH MOTTAINAI.

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Rwanda signs Geneva Act

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:40:37 GMT

On 31 May 2011, the Republic of Rwanda deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, adopted at Geneva on July 2, 1999 (the "Geneva Act").

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Rwanda accedes to PCT

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:38:18 GMT

On 31 May 2011, the Republic of Rwanda deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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US Supreme Court confirms "clear and convincing evidence" standard for patent invalidation

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:55:56 GMT

In Microsoft Corp. v. i4i Limited Partnership, an infringement action brought by i4i against Microsoft, Microsoft's defense rested on its claim that i4i's patent was invalid.

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US patent reform in suspense

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:54:48 GMT

In April, the America Invents Act, which is notable in that it intends to move patent law in the United States from a "first to invent" to a "first to file" system, was passed by the Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives and moved to the floor of the full House for debate and amendment.

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Spain and Mexico establish PPH pilot

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:53:27 GMT

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) have signed an agreement for the establishment of a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) between the two countries.

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Fees specified under Madrid Protocol for Tajikistan

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:51:14 GMT

Pursuant to a declaration made by the Government of Tajikistan under Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol, an individual fee will be payable when Tajikistan is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol effective 30 June 2011.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Vietnam to change

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:49:33 GMT

The individual fee payable when Vietnam is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 21 June 2011.

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Vanuatu gets new Trademark Act

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:24:19 GMT

Vanuatu has adopted a new Trademark Act (the Trademarks Act 2003) that became effective 8 February 2011.

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Supreme Court of Canada addresses test for trademark confusion, confirms first to use regime

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:50:27 GMT

In Masterpiece Inc. v. Alavida Lifestyles Inc., the Supreme Court of Canada reversed decisions by the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, expunged Alavida's mark, and confirmed that under the Canadian Trademarks Act the owner of a trademark has the exclusive right to use that mark nationally.

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Oman to require payment of patent annuity renewal fee

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:48:08 GMT

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Oman has issued a notification pursuant to which patent annuity fees will be required to be paid in connection with patent application renewals.

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Korea and Spain enter into PPH agreement

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:46:52 GMT

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) have signed a memorandum of understanding relating to, among other things, the establishment of a patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme between the two countries.

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UK launches peer review system for patents

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:44:39 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the United Kingdom has launched a pilot Peer to Patent system, under which experts in the field will be afforded the opportunity to view and comment on up to 200 patent applications for the computer industry.

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EPO to only accept electronic submissions of sequence listings

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:25:15 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has now stipulated that sequence listings must be filed in electronic form, in text format (TXT), and need no longer be filed in paper or, if filed electronically, in PDF.

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Sweden includes new medical uses in amended Patent Act

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:24:06 GMT

The Swedish Patent Act will be amended, effective 1 July 2011, to allow the grant of patents for new medical uses of per se known substances.

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Sweden amends regulations relating to public information in patent applications

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:22:49 GMT

The Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) has announced that information relating to the title and classification of an invention and the name and address of the inventor will not be made public until such time as the entire patent application becomes public (which is normally 18 months from the filing date).

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Japan and Sweden commence pilot PCT-PPH project

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:21:33 GMT

The Japan Patent Office and the Swedish Patent and Registration Office have entered into a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) project, pursuant to which both offices will use the results of patent searches and examinations conducted by either office in the international phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Mexico and Japan establish PPH pilot

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:20:16 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) have agreed to establish a pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) between the two countries.

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Yemen trademark office suspends operations

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:18:43 GMT

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Yemen, which includes the Yemen Trademark Office, has suspended its operations due to continuing unrest in the country.

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New patent fee rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:17:24 GMT

The Institute for Intellectual Property of Bosnia and Herzegovina has announced revisions in patent renewal fees.

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Macedonia revises patent renewal fees

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:16:12 GMT

The State Office of Industrial Property of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has revised renewal fees for patents.

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United States and Sweden announce pilot PCT-PPH project

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:13:32 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Swedish Patent and Registration Office have entered into a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) project, pursuant to which both offices will use the results of patent searches and examinations in the international phase under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Supreme Court denies certiorari in obviousness-type double patenting case

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:12:12 GMT

The US Supreme Court has refused to grant certiorari in the case ofEli Lilly & Co. v. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

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Chile accedes to Budapest Treaty

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:10:50 GMT

On 5 May 2011, Chile deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (Budapest Treaty).

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Norway

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:07:32 GMT

The individual fee payable when Norway is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 14 June 2011.

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Chile ratifies Trademark Law Treaty

Tue, 31 May 2011 05:21:55 GMT

On 5 May 2011, Chile deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT), which was signed in Geneva on 27 October 1994.

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Qatar accedes to PCT

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:25:39 GMT

The Government of Qatar has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Madrid Protocol fees for Georgia to change

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:24:33 GMT

The individual fee payable when Georgia is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 June 2011.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Turkey to change

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:23:22 GMT

The individual fee payable when Turkey is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 June 2011.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Syria

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:22:17 GMT

The individual fee payable when Syria is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 18 June 2011.

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Japanese Supreme Court allows extension of patent protection period for drugs

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:20:44 GMT

Historically, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has not allowed extensions of patent right duration for approved "active ingredients, or drugs and medicines with similar efficacy."

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USPTO launches expanded First Action Interview Pilot Program

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:18:56 GMT

In April 2008, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented a pilot program, the so-called First Action Interview (FAI) program, to enhance communications between an applicant and the examiner and to streamline the patent prosecution process.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Oman

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:02:38 GMT

The individual fee payable when Oman is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 9 June 2011.

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Morocco accedes to Budapest Treaty

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:33 GMT

The Kingdom of Morocco has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure (Budapest Treaty).

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DPMA revises classification rules for patent and utility model applications

Tue, 17 May 2011 07:57:31 GMT

In light of the adoption of electronic patent filing for patents and utility models, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) has revised the guidelines for the implementation of the classification of patent and utility model applications.

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OHIM announces provision of certified copies online

Tue, 17 May 2011 07:55:10 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) has announced a new online service aimed at enabling users to obtain certified copies of application requests and EU trademark (formerly CTM) registration certificates from the CTM-ONLINE database.

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Changes in fees payable under the Hague Agreement with respect to Moldova

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:11:33 GMT

The individual fee payable when Moldova is designated in an international application under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs will change effective 1 June 2011.

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Fee for EU under Madrid Protocol revised

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:10:20 GMT

The individual fee payable when the European Union is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 28 May 2011.

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Changes in fees charged under Madrid Protocol for Moldova

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:08:27 GMT

The individual fee payable when Moldova is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 28 May 2011.

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US and Germany extend PPH programme

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:06:02 GMT

In April 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) commenced a two year pilot patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme.

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USPTO postpones start date of "Track One" Fast-Track Patent Processing

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:04:22 GMT

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Irish Patents Office suspends practice regarding 'honest concurrent use'

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:03:02 GMT

The Irish Patents Office has announced that its practice of automatically refusing an application for the registration of an opposed trademark against which the applicant claimed there has been honest concurrent use has been temporarily suspended, pending deliberations on the interpretation and administration of the relevant law.

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Rules 161 and 162 EPC amended

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:01:12 GMT

Late in 2010, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO) announced two changes in the regulations governing the European Patent Convention (EPC), which became effective 1 May 2011.

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Bulgaria effects amendments to trademark law

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:33:42 GMT

Amendments to the Bulgarian Law on Marks and Geographical Indications (LMGI) have brought about significant changes to the trademark registration process in Bulgaria (including compliance with the procedures followed by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market).

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Montenegro adopts GI law

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:32:37 GMT

The parliament of Montenegro has adopted a new law on designations of origin, geographical indications (GIs), and traditional specialties guaranteed for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

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Kazakhstan ratifies PLT

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:31:34 GMT

The Kazakhstan parliament has adopted the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) of 1 June 2000.

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UK IPO amends rules regarding goods and services specifications

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:29:39 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom has recently published a new Tribunal Practice Notice (TPN 1/2011) relating to trademark proceedings.

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US House Judiciary Committee passes patent bill

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:28:45 GMT

The Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives has passed the America Invents Act (US Patent Reform 2011) by a vote of 32-3.

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Turkey makes exceptions for parties affected by Japan natural disasters

Tue, 03 May 2011 07:26:49 GMT

The Turkish Patent Institute (TPI) has announced that applicants affected by the recent earthquake and tsumani in Japan may take advantage of the force majeure exceptions available under Article 134 Decree Law 551 Pertaining to the Protection of Patent Rights.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Curacao

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:39:32 GMT

An individual fee will be payable when Curacao is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol, effective 20 May 2011.

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USPTO proposes changes to PTA and PTE provisions

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:55:25 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced a proposal to revise the patent term adjustment (PTA) and patent term extension (PTE) provisions of the patent rules.

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USPTO automates certain processes in an effort to improve customer service

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:54:09 GMT

In an effort to increase the speed of decisions, the filing and decision processes for eight patent-related petitions provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have now been automated and are available through the USPTO's new e-Petition system.

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Design law in New Zealand amended

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:53:00 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has announced that the country's Designs Amendment Regulations 2011, amending the Designs Regulations 1954, will come into force on 19 April 2011.

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Macedonia accedes to UPOV

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:51:50 GMT

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, as heretofore revised (UPOV).

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Tajikistan accedes to the Madrid Agreement

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:40:32 GMT

The Republic of Tajikistan has acceded to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol).

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Change to Italian trademark proceedings

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:00:57 GMT

It is likely that the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (Italian PTO) will allow opposition proceedings with respect to trademark applications made on and after 1 May 2011.

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Bulgaria adopts new trademark and design laws

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:59:01 GMT

In an effort to bring its industrial property laws into conformity with those of the European Union, Bulgaria has adopted a new trademark law effective 10 March 2011, as well as a new system for design registration that became effective 12 February 2011.

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Chile reduces certain fees

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:57:39 GMT

The National Institute of Industrial Property of Chile (INAPI) has announced a reduction in charges relating to the filing of certain documents, forms and certificates of industrial rights.

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USPTO to launch fast-track patent processing in May

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:55:12 GMT

In June 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) proposed a three-track patent examination initiative providing for either prioritized examination, traditional examination or, under certain circumstances, an applicant-controlled delay for up to 30 months prior to docketing for examination.

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Spain and Russia begin PPH pilot

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:53:27 GMT

The Patent and Trademark Office of Spain (OEPM) and the Russian Patent Office (Rospatent) have signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to the establishment of a patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme between the two countries.

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South Korea accepts 3D CAD filings

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:32:00 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has begun accepting 3D representations of designs on Computer-aided Design (CAD) files in order to obtain a true representation of a design.

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Madrid Protocol fees for Caribbean part of the Netherlands

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:30:38 GMT

The individual fee payable when the Caribbean part of the Netherlands - that is, the islands of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba - is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 5 April 2011.

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Taiwan revamps trademark registration procedures

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:29:15 GMT

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has recently announced certain changes to its trademark registration procedures relating to the timeframe for filing renewal applications for trademarks and to the acceptance of priority claims based on applications filed in China.

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CIPO implements rules governing expedited examinations for patent applications related to green technology

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:26:51 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has adopted amendments to its patent rules for the expedited examination of patent applications related to green technology.

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Portugal creates separate IP court

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:25:11 GMT

In an effort to address the problem of a backlog of industrial property related cases its two main commercial courts, Portugal has now created a new Intellectual Property court.

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Macedonia amends industrial property law

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:23:33 GMT

Pursuant to ratification by the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia, amendments to the Macedonian Law on Industrial Property became effective on 5 March 2011.

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EPO as ISA to obtain informal clarification from applicants

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:21:51 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced that it may seek to obtain clarification on certain matters from patent applicants who have utilized its services as an International Searching Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Monaco ratifies Geneva Act

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:56:08 GMT

On 9 March 2011, Monaco deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of ratification of the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, adopted at Geneva on 2 July 1999 (the Geneva Act).

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines nominates another ISA and IPEA

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:54:56 GMT

The International Bureau (IB), acting under its delegated authority from the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has specified the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA).

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Thailand confirms time limit for entry into PCT national phase procedure

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:53:48 GMT

The Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand has made a statement to the International Bureau confirming that the time limit applicable for entry into the national phase under PCT Articles 22(1) and 39(1)(a) is 30 months from the priority date for applications made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Malaysia introduces new fee structure

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:52:44 GMT

Through Patents (Amendment) Regulations 2011, which became effective on 15 February 2011, Malaysia introduced new fees.

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IGE announces changes

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:50:20 GMT

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) has announced certain changes to the criterion applicable and fees relating to restoration of the right of priority and special requirements for entry into the national phase of patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Iceland changes fees charged under Madrid Protocol

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:20:55 GMT

The individual fee payable when Iceland is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 19 April 2011.

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USPTO makes accommodations for patent and trademark applicants and owners affected by Japanese earthquake

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 06:04:20 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has made certain concessions to owners and applicants of trademarks and patents who have been affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

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OHIM gives Japanese companies more time

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:43:23 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) has granted Japanese companies and individuals an extension of time in respect of deadlines relating to their EU (CTM) trade mark applications.

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Spain and Portugal establish PPH

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:26:46 GMT

The National Institute of Industrial Property of Portugal (INPI) and the Patent and Trademark Office of Spain (OEPM) have signed a memorandum of understanding with respect to the establishment of a patent prosecution highway (PPH) programme between the two countries.

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Uganda ushers in changes to trademark law

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:25:42 GMT

The Uganda Trade Marks Registry has recently announced and implemented certain changes from the previous trademark regime prevalent in Uganda.

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EU Council authorizes enhanced cooperation for protection of unitary patents

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:24:35 GMT

On 10 March 2011, the Council of the European Union authorized "the launch of an enhanced cooperation among EU member states for the creation of a unitary patent title."

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New details available on design laws for Montenegro

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:23:36 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of Montenegro has announced further particulars regarding the new Law on the Protection of Industrial Designs that became effective in January 2011.

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Spain announces changes in patent fee rates

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:22:26 GMT

Pursuant to a law enacted in December 2010, certain patent fees payable to the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) have been changed as of 1 January 2011.

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Egyptian Patent Office announces two recent relevant decisions

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:21:14 GMT

The Egyptian Patent Office has announced an increase in examination fees and a change in filing regulations for entry into the national phase.

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Sweden to get a new Trademarks Act

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:19:55 GMT

A new Trademarks Act is expected to become effective in Sweden on 1 July 2011.

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Fee for Estonia under Madrid Protocol revised

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:45:44 GMT

The individual fee payable when Estonia is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 10 March 2011.

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Kingdom of the Netherlands denounces 1934 Act of the Hague Agreement with respect to former Netherlands Antilles

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:44:39 GMT

In October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles (which included the islands of Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba) ceased to be an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; thereafter, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten are separate autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the other three islands being designated as the Caribbean part of the Netherlands in Europe.

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Indian IPO provides online status searches of design applications

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:43:08 GMT

In its ongoing effort to expand its online offerings, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has now facilitated online status searches of design applications.

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US Senate passes patent reform bill

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:41:30 GMT

In a major step forward for patent reform in the United States, a process that began as early as 2004, the America Invents Act (S.23) has been passed by the US Senate.

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IPO Bahrain changes PoA requirements

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:39:38 GMT

The Bahrain Industrial Property Office has changed its requirements relating to powers of attorney (PoA) for all industrial property related matters.

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OHIM announces operational status of online opposition filing system

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:35:45 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) has announced the launch of its new online opposition filing system.

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IPONZ goes strictly online for search and preliminary advice services

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:33:40 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has announced that it will provide its online search form and its preliminary advice application form only through its online facilities.

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ECJ decries proposed European patent court

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:33:05 GMT

In June 2009, the Council of the European Union had requested a ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the legality of a centralized patent court system, the so-called European and European Union Patents Court.

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PPH pilot begins for Spain and Finland

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:38:48 GMT

A Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme between the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) and the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) commenced on 1 March 2011.

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US and Mexico launch pilot PPH

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:35:58 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) have recently announced a new pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH).

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Australia and New Zealand initiate single patent examination process

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:44:06 GMT

In an effort to further the so-called "Single Economic Market" framework for businesses in Australia and New Zealand, the governments of these two countries have introduced a plan to create a single patent examination process.

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Malaysia introduces expedited procedures and increased fees

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:42:57 GMT

Through Patents (Amendment) Regulations 2011 and Trade Marks (Amendment) Regulations 2011, which became effective on 15 February 2011, Malaysia has introduced an expedited examination system for patent and trademark applications in certain circumstances.

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Amendments to Estonia's patent law

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:39:37 GMT

Pursuant to recent amendments to Estonia's patent law, prior art searches and a 'simple public license' have been introduced.

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EU Parliament approves EU Patent System

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:48:04 GMT

The proposal to proceed on an "enhanced co-operation" basis made by twelve member states of the European Union (EU) for a unitary European patent was approved by the European Parliament on 15 February 2011.

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Argentina facilitates exchange in order of patent examinations

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:46:43 GMT

Pursuant to Resolution No. P-339 of 29 December 2010, the National Institute of Industrial Property of Argentina (INPI) has afforded patent applicants the opportunity, for a limited time, to switch the chronological order of the substantive examination of their patent applications.

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New International Depositary Authority under Budapest Treaty in India

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:43:51 GMT

The Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks of India (CGPDTM) has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization that Microbial Culture Collection (MCC), India, will become an International Depositary Authority (IDA) for purposes of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines nominates another ISA and IPEA

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:42:26 GMT

The International Bureau (IB), acting under its delegated authority from the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has nominated the Australian Patent Office as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA).

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Patent fee changes in Serbia

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:52:27 GMT

Effective 1 June 2010, the Intellectual Property Office of Serbia (Serbian IPO) has changed to a number of fees payable in conjunction with applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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More changes in patent fees in Iceland

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:49:46 GMT

The Icelandic Patent Office (ELS) has recently effected a number of changes in fees applicable to patents, trademarks, industrial designs, etc., including fees payable to it as designated (or elected) Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Albania adopts changes in PCT national phase procedure

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:46:24 GMT

The Albanian Patents and Trademarks Office (ALPTO) has effected certain changes to the procedure for applications made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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US Senate Committee pushes along Patent Reform Act

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:01:20 GMT

The United States Senate Judiciary Committee has passed, by a vote of 15-0, a slightly amended version of the Patent Reform Act of 2011.

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Taiwan opens up access to online database of similar trademarks

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:59:47 GMT

As of 1 January 2011, the online search database of similar trademarks of the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has been made freely available to the public.

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USPTO and EPO agree on principles of Cooperative Patent Classification system

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:58:30 GMT

In an important step towards the Common Hybrid Classification (CHC) project of cooperation among the so-called Five IP Offices (the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the State Intellectual Property Office of China), which was first announced in October 2010, the USPTO and the EPO have reported that an agreement has been reached on the principles of the new Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC).

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USPTO proposes requirements for "Track One" accelerated patent examinations

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:56:27 GMT

In June 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) proposed a three-track patent examination initiative under which, for applications filed first in the United States, an applicant may request (1) prioritized examination, (2) traditional examination under the current procedures or (3) under certain circumstances, an applicant-controlled delay for up to 30 months prior to docketing for examination.

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Italy ratifies Trademark Law Treaty

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:54:26 GMT

On 26 January 2011, Italy deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of ratification of the Trademark Law Treaty, which was signed in Geneva on 27 October 1994.

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Finland accedes to Geneva Act

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:53:08 GMT

On 1 February 2011, Finland deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, adopted at Geneva on July 2, 1999 (the "Geneva Act").

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Fee for Cuba under Madrid Protocol revised

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:50:49 GMT

The individual fee payable when Cuba is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 March 2011.

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Luxembourg effects changes to certain patent fees

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:44:42 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, Luxembourg has effected changes to some of its patent fees.

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Changes to Norwegian patent fees

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:59:39 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) has effected changes to some of its service fees to address, among other things, the expected reduction in NIPO's income due to Norway's membership in the European Patent Office (EPO).

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South American countries to cooperate on patent examination through pilot project

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:58:29 GMT

In an effort to improve patent quality and efficiency, nine South American countries, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay, have agreed to launch later this year a pilot project on patent examination cooperation.

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Israel amends patent law retroactively, allowing online publication

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:57:27 GMT

In January 2011, the Israeli Knesset passed an amendment to the Israel Patent Law 1967 enabling the online publication of certain information relating to patent applications and patents.

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Another step forward for a unitary European patent

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:56:02 GMT

A proposal to proceed on an "enhanced co-operation" basis made by twelve member states of the European Union (EU) for a unitary European patent took another step forward with approval from the EU Parliament Legal Affairs Committee.

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Fee for Norway under Madrid Protocol revised

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:08:51 GMT

The individual fee payable when Norway is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 1 March 2011.

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Fee for Vietnam under Madrid Protocol revised

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:07:55 GMT

The individual fee payable when Vietnam is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 1 March 2011.

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Croatia ratifies Singapore Treaty

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:07:13 GMT

On 13 January 2011, Croatia deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of ratification of the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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Korea accedes to Locarno Agreement

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:06:25 GMT

On 17 January 2011, the Republic of Korea deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Locarno Agreement Establishing an International Classification for Industrial Designs.

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Korea accedes to Vienna Agreement

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:05:10 GMT

On 17 January 2011, the Republic of Korea deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks.

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USPTO and IP Australia extend and expand PPH programme

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:04:26 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and IP Australia have announced their intention to extend the term of their existing pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreement, pursuant to which the offices utilize search and examination results under the Paris Convention to streamline and speed up the patent examination process in both offices.

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US and Finland expand scope of PPH agreement

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:03:50 GMT

In July 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) entered into a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme.

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UAE introduces trademark recordation at Ras Al Khaimah customs

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:03:04 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, the United Arab Emirates introduced a recordal system at Ras Al Khaimah customs, pursuant to which trademark owners may record their ownership of trademarks through a simple procedure.

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Venezuela provides for electronic trademark registration certificates

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:02:15 GMT

By notice in the 1 October 2010 Official Bulletin of Venezuela, the Registrar notified all applicants that all trademark registration certificates would be issued electronically.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina introduces new IP registration procedures

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:59:46 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, Bosnia adopted new IP laws in five areas to replace its old Law on Industrial Property: patents, trademarks, industrial design, geographical indications and designations of origin, and integrated circuit topographies.

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New design law for Montenegro

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:58:17 GMT

A new Law on the Protection of Industrial Design became effective in Montenegro on 8 January 2011.

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Indian trademark application fees increased

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:36:41 GMT

By notification published in the Official Gazette on 29 December 2010, trademark application fees were increased from Indian rupees (Rs.) 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 per specification of goods or services in one class.

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Taiwan revises trademark fees

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:35:42 GMT

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has announced that amended regulations relating to trademark fees were adopted on 27 December 2010.

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Canada launches PCT-PPH pilot programme

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:25:41 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has announced a two-year Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) - Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme, which will commence on 31 January 2011.

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Canada and US PPH pilot converted to ongoing programme

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:24:43 GMT

In 2008, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) launched a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme that allowed faster and more efficient grants of patents by the USPTO and CIPO, respectively, by utilizing work previously done by the other office.

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Fee for Israel under Madrid Protocol revised

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:22:33 GMT

Effective 26 February 2011, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol with respect to Israel has been changed.

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Change in fees payable for Israeli patent filings

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:19:52 GMT

The national filing fee payable to the Israel Patent Office as designated (or elected) Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has been changed to 1,046 Israeli shekels.

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Fees payable for patent filings in Iceland to change

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:18:59 GMT

Certain national fees payable to the Icelandic Patent Office as designated (or elected) Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) have been modified with effect from 1 April 2011.

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Luxembourg patent fee changes effected

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:17:52 GMT

Certain national fees payable to the Luxembourg Intellectual Property Directorate as designated (or elected) Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) have been modified effective 1 January 2011.

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Peru becomes receiving Office under PCT and effects fee changes

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:46:18 GMT

The Peruvian National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Intellectual Property Protection (the Institute) has notified the International Bureau (IB) that it will fully assume its functions as receiving Office with respect to international filings made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines delegate functions under the PCT

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:45:26 GMT

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (ComIPO) has notified the International Bureau (IB) that it has delegated to the IB its functions as receiving Office in respect of international applications made by nationals and residents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Changed trademark practices for OHIM

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:44:38 GMT

The Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM) has introduced changes in practices on suspensions and extensions of time pursuant to which OHIM will grant suspensions, upon request by opposition parties, for one year as opposed to the current practice of variable periods.

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TMview to list Spanish trademarks

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:44:00 GMT

The Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM) has announced that TMview, which already provides free access to trademark data from OHIM, WIPO, the Czech, Italian, Benelux, Portuguese, Danish and UK Intellectual Property Offices, will now also publish data about Spanish trademarks.

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Patent fees to be reduced in Japan

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:43:10 GMT

In light of the worldwide recession and the resulting decline in patent applications, the Japan Patent Office has commenced proceedings to reduce its examination request fees by 25%.

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Australian Patent Office clarifies patentability of business methods

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 07:41:47 GMT

Following the United States Supreme Court decision in the Bilski case, the Australian Patent Office has clarified its stand on the patentability of business methods and the ability of examiners to inform themselves regarding factual matters.

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No more publication letter for EU trademarks

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:14:48 GMT

Effective 1 February 2011, the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) will stop sending out L124 notification letters to applicants or their representatives informing them about the publication of their EU trademark (formerly CTM) applications.

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OHIM amends its Manual of Trade Mark Practices

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:05:27 GMT

Part A of OHIM's Manual of Trade Mark Practices has been revised to delete the sections relating to "Restitutio in Integrum" and "Correction of Errors and Revocation" and to include new sections on "Revocation of decisions and cancellation of entries in the Register (Article 80) and correction of mistakes (Rule 53 and Rules 14 and 27 CTM IR)" and "Revision".

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Lithuania adopts PLT and amends patent law

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:04:26 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, the Patent Law Treaty (PLT) came into force with respect to Lithuania.

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Iceland announces new fees

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:58:42 GMT

The Icelandic Patent Office (ELS) has announced that an amendment to its Regulation no. 916/2001 on fees for patents, trademarks, designs, etc., was adopted on 28 December 2010.

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WIPO revises fees payable for Madrid Protocol applications in Benelux

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:16:35 GMT

The individual fee payable when any of the Benelux countries is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 January 2011.

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Rospatent and Finnish patent office agree upon PPH pilot program

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:15:23 GMT

An agreement establishing a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademarks (Rospatent) and the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) that provides for the use of products in the international phase of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) as a base for PPH procedures has been reached.

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Fees established under Madrid Protocol for former Netherlands Antilles

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:14:37 GMT

Effective 30 December 2010, an individual fee is payable under the Madrid Protocol when portions of the former Netherlands Antilles, namely, either (a) the island of Curacao or (b) the islands of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba (the so-called "Caribbean part of the Netherlands"), are designated in an international application or in a designation subsequent to an international registration or when an international registration is renewed.

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Patent cooperation protocol between Turkish and Austrian patent offices renewed

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:13:28 GMT

The Austria Patent Office and the Turkish Patent Institute have signed an extension of a protocol pursuant to which Austria will provide search and examination of patent applications made in Turkey.

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Taiwan revises Procedural Examination Guidelines

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:12:35 GMT

In a bid to comply, or at least not clash, with international patent systems, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) has amended its Procedural Examination Guidelines.

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Switzerland revises trademark guidelines

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:11:15 GMT

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) has published its revised trademark guidelines, applicable as of 1 January 2011.

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SPTO reduces fees

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:09:57 GMT

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) has reduced most of the fees payable to it with respect to applications for registration and renewals of trademarks, industrial designs, patents and utility models all effective 1 January 2011.

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Geneva Act to apply in Greenland

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:20:04 GMT

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that the Geneva Act will apply to Greenland in respect of designations of Denmark in international registrations dated 11 January 2011 or later.

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Changes to Finland's Trademarks Act

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:19:17 GMT

The Finnish Parliament has amended sections of the country's Trademarks Act relating to the mandatory appointment of representatives for trademark applicants who are not domiciled in Finland. It has also updated the law on obstacles to registration with respect to the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

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Mongolia accedes to Singapore Treaty

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:15:41 GMT

Mongolia has deposited its instrument of accession to the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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Malicious trademark squatting to be regulated in China

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:56:26 GMT

China's Trademark Office announced on 9 December 2010 that preventive clauses to stop bad faith trademark registrations will be included in the country's Trademark Law, which is currently being revised.

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Ireland and Malta adopt harmonized list of goods and services

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:55:08 GMT

The Maltese and Irish patent offices have agreed to use the harmonized list of more than 90,000 English-language terms for goods and services for trademarks compiled by the United Kingdom's Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM).

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NIPO announces new fee structure

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:54:09 GMT

The Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) has adjusted some of its service fees, and has changed terminology to comply with the Norwegian Ministry of Finance's regulation on the characterization of payments for public services.

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Bilateral agreement offers legal protection for European patents in Morocco

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:52:00 GMT

The Minister for Industry, Commerce and New Technologies of Morocco and the President of the European Patent Office (EPO) have signed an agreement on the legal recognition of European patents in Morocco.

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Portugal's INPI will reject Swiss-type patent claims

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:49:22 GMT

Portugal's Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) has confirmed that it will no longer accept Swiss-style claims to protect second and subsequent medical uses of known substances. It will also take into account the EPO's guidance on the patentability of inventions in which the only innovation is the dosing regimen.

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Change in fees payable for Albanian patent filings

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:54:03 GMT

The national fee payable to the Albanian Patent Office as designated (or elected) Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has been modified.

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Changes relating to fees and fee payment currency in Estonia

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:52:58 GMT

The Estonian Patent Office (the Estonian PO) has effected certain changes in fees payable to it as designated or elected Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, effective 1 January 2011.

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Guatemala nominates Brazil as ISA and IPEA

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:51:13 GMT

The Guatemalan Registry of Intellectual Property (the Registry) has nominated the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property IINPI) as International Searching Authority (ISA) and as International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for international applications filed by Guatemalans with the Registry as receiving Office.

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San Marino changes patent fees

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:49:50 GMT

The basic national fee payable to the San Marino Patent and Trademark Office as designated or elected Office has been changed to EUR 170.

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EPO clarifies exclusion from patentability of 'essentially biological processes'

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:48:37 GMT

On 9 December 2010, the European Patent Office's Enlarged Board of Appeal published its decision on two cases relating to the patentability of processes involving the crossing and selection of broccoli and tomatoes.

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NPI gives refunds on search fees

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:47:09 GMT

Applicants to the Nordic Patent Institute (NPI) can now apply for a partial refund on search fees if they submit previous search results for the same invention that expedite the NPI's own search.

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IPONZ adopts IPC version 2011.01

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:45:46 GMT

Starting with the January 2011 edition of its monthly journal, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) will use the new version of the International Patent Classification (IPC) for classifying applications.

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EPO announces further exemptions to the requirement to file prior search results on priority applications.

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:42:12 GMT

Effective 1 January 2011, when Amended Rule 141 EPC comes into force, the European Patent Office (EPO) will exempt applicants from the requirement to submit a copy of the results of any search carried out on a priority application if the application was filed in the UK, USA or Japan.

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11 EU countries move towards a single European patent system

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:28:39 GMT

Eleven member states have proposed moving ahead with unitary patent protection in the European Union despite strenuous opposition from Spain and Italy.

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Fee for Ireland under Madrid Protocol revised

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:24:33 GMT

Effective 3 January 2011, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol when Ireland is designated in an international application has been changed.

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WIPO revises fees payable for Madrid Protocol applications in Italy

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:23:37 GMT

The individual fee payable when Italy is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 January 2011.

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Fee for Denmark under Madrid Protocol revised

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:22:47 GMT

The individual fee payable when Denmark is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 January 2011.

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Fee for Estonia under Madrid Protocol revised

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:21:50 GMT

The individual fee payable when Estonia is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 January 2011.

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WIPO revises fees payable for Madrid Protocol applications in Oman

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:20:54 GMT

The individual fee payable when Oman is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 7 December 2011.

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Sweden to provide search and examination of patent applications for Turkish patent applications

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:18:52 GMT

Pursuant to a new agreement between the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) and the Turkish Patent Institute (TPI), the PRV, which is an International Searching Authority and an International Preliminary Examining Authority for purposes of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, will undertake prior-art searches and examinations of patent applications for the TPI.

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Montenegro gets new trademark law

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:17:09 GMT

On 30 November 2010, the Parliament of Montenegro adopted a new trademark law that will become effective eight days after it is published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.

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USPTO to implement Extended Missing Parts Pilot Program

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:13:30 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the implementation of a pilot programme in which an applicant can request a 12-month time period to pay certain fees and to reply to a Notice to File Missing Parts of Nonprovisional Application.

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Israeli Patent Office makes provisions for queue-jumping in the case of priority applications

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:33:56 GMT

The Israeli Patent Office has recently announced that, in addition to requesting accelerated examination for due cause, the Office will permit applicants of patent applications first filed in Israel to request accelerated examination based on an intention to file abroad under the Paris Convention. In such event, a search report will issue within 3 months.

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New guidelines regarding disclosure of generics applications in Italy

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:24:59 GMT

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has announced a change its procedure for processing patent holders' requests for information on Marketing Authorization (MA) applications filed by generics manufacturers.

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Iceland to receive patent applications electronically

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:23:42 GMT

Einkaleyfastofan, the Iceland Patent Office (ELS), has announced its intention to allow electronic submission of patent applications; paper submissions, however, will continue to be accepted.

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WIPO revises fees payable for Madrid Protocol applications in Greece

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:20:00 GMT

The individual fee payable when Greece is designated in an international application under the Madrid Protocol will change effective 3 January 2011.

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Fee for Finland under Madrid Protocol revised

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:18:43 GMT

Effective 3 January 2011, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol when Finland is designated in an international application has been changed.

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Latvia amends certain IP laws

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:17:46 GMT

The Latvian parliament has adopted amendments to Latvia's patent law, trademarks law and its law on the indications of geographical origin.

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Russia amends IP regulations

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 02:16:37 GMT

Sections of the Russian Civil Code dealing specifically with Intellectual Property (IP) rights and licensing were amended effective 19 October 2010.

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USPTO extends deadline for patent exchange programme

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:58:28 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has extended to 31 December 2011 the deadline for its "Project Exchange" programme, which was commenced with a view to reducing the backlog of applications at the USPTO.

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Canadian industrial design office changes some services

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:19:10 GMT

The Industrial Design Office of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has announced three changes in its services effective 1 December 2010, which are aimed at improved client services.

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Yemen adopts new trademark and GI law

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:15:27 GMT

A new law on trademarks and geographical indications was adopted by the Yemeni President on 22 November 2010, and will become effective three months after this date.

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Canada amends fee-payment methods

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:21:38 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has announced the implementation of three changes with regard to fee-payment methods.

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Nigeria hikes IP fees

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:19:41 GMT

Effective 1 September 2010, Nigeria has hiked fees relating to trademarks, patents and designs by between 100 to 400 percent.

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EPO amends EPC regulations

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:17:45 GMT

The Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO) has announced two changes in the regulations governing the European Patent Convention (EPC), which changes relate to the application and payment of claims fees and to the translation of claims into the official languages required by the EPO.

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ECJ holds that SPCs based purely on provisional MAs are valid for plant protection products

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:16:13 GMT

The Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) has ruled that a supplementary protection certificate (SPC) may be validly issued based on a provisional Market Authorization (MA) granted by a competent national authority of a Member State, pursuant to Article 8(1) of European Council Directive 91/414/EEC.

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Taiwan approves amendments to IP legislation

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:13:47 GMT

The Yuan, the legislative body of Taiwan, has approved amendments to intellectual property legislation in a move to conform to WTO principles.

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Australia broadens provisions of patent term extension

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:10:34 GMT

Under the Australian Patent Act, extensions of patent terms are available only for "pharmaceutical substances per se".

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Single European patent still at point non plus

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:38:02 GMT

The seemingly imminent implementation of the single European Patent, one that will receive ironclad protection in every territory of the European Union, continues to remain a mirage.

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Israel not to permit incorporation by reference in patent applications

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:30:15 GMT

The Israel Commissioner of Patents has issued a ruling that no material may be incorporated by reference into a patent application in Israel and, accordingly, that the term "incorporated by reference" is to be deleted if it appears in a patent specification.

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USPTO extends filing deadline for green technology pilot program

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:26:57 GMT

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WIPO revises fees for Madrid Protocol applications in San Marino

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:25:10 GMT

Effective 17 November 2010, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol when San Marino is designated in an international application has been changed.

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OHIM moves to electronic only EU design certificates

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:22:57 GMT

Earlier this year, the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM) established a link to the Registered Community Design (RCD) - Online database to allow electronic versions of EU design registration certificates (so-called "e-certificates") to be downloaded.

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Denmark notifies that Madrid Protocol will now apply to Greenland

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:47:36 GMT

In November 1995, the Kingdom of ratified the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks with the proviso that "until later decision, the Protocol will not be applied to the Faroe Islands or to Greenland".

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Rule 36 of the Implementing Regulations to the EPC amended

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:46:08 GMT

Rule 36(1) of the Implementing Regulations of the European Patent Convention (EPC) permits applicants to file a divisional application relating to any pending earlier European patent application only if the divisional application is filed before the expiry of a time limit of twenty-four months from the Examining Division's first communication, or the divisional application is filed before the expiry of a time limit of twenty-four months from any communication in which the Examining Division has objected that the earlier application does not meet the requirements of Article 82, provided it was raising that specific objection for the first time.

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Portugal accedes to the London Agreement

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 07:41:48 GMT

On 28 October 2010, the Council of Ministers of Portugal approved Portugal's accession to the London Agreement, with the aim of substantially reducing the cost of patents filed with the Portuguese intellectual property institute (INPI) by eliminating requirements relating to filing full translations of European patents in different languages.

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Oman allows filing of designs

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:11:23 GMT

After a waiting period of over two years, effective October 2010, industrial design applications may be filed in Oman.

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Hungary ratifies London Agreement

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:09:56 GMT

On 28 September 2010, Hungary deposited its instrument of accession to the London Agreement on the application of Article 65 EPC (relating to the requirement for providing translation of specifications of European patents).

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USPTO and EPO to develop joint classification system

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:07:48 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) have announced an agreement to jointly create a patent classification system on the basis of the European Classification system (ECLA).

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Zimbabwe's new trademark laws in force

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:06:38 GMT

Zimbabwe's Trade Marks Amendment Act (Act No. 10 of 2001) and Intellectual Property Tribunal Act (Act No. 5 of 2001), which effect amendments to Zimbabwe's Trade Marks Act, took effect on 10 September 2010.

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Search results to be included in European patent application file

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:03:52 GMT

Pursuant to a decision of its president, the European Patent Office (EPO) has been directed to include a copy of the search results in the file of a European patent application whose priority is claimed.

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Hungarian courts obliged to suspend a patent infringement proceeding due to initiation of a revocation proceeding before patent office

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:02:33 GMT

The Supreme Court of Hungary has held that in the event of the initiation of a revocation proceeding before the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO), a patent infringement proceeding relating to the same underlying patent must be suspended pending the result of the revocation proceeding, which is essential in respect of the decision to be made by the HPO.

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KIPO to act as ISA and IPEA for Chile

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:58:23 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has made itself available to be selected as International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) by applicants from Chile under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) as long as the applications are made in English.

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Finland enters into PPH agreement with Austria

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:35:51 GMT

The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) has entered into a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) with the Austrian Patent Office which will, among other things, allow both entities to use work done by the other countryââ'¬â"¢s patent offices to fast track pending patent applications.

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Reduction in Costa Rica patent fees

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:34:48 GMT

The Registry of Industrial Property of Costa Rica (RIP) has effected a reduction of 30% in patent fees payable to it as designated or elected Office for filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Syria requires legalized power of attorney for all IP applications

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:32:38 GMT

Since July, the Syrian Trademark Office has required all intellectual property applications (trademarks, designs, patents, recordals, etc.) to be accompanied by a legalized power of attorney (that is, the power of attorney has to be legalized to a Syrian consulate in a foreign country and subsequently has to be approved by the Syrian Interior Ministry and super-legalized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

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New implementing regulations relating to Bahrain industrial designs

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:32:32 GMT

The Patent Office of Bahrain has activated implementing regulations relating to the Industrial Designs Law No. (06) of 2006 of Bahrain.

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Kosovo takes up trademark availability tests

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:28:21 GMT

The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) of Kosovo has recently started accepting trademark availability search requests.

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EPO permits submission of divisional application after rejection of patent application

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:14:11 GMT

In a move aimed at saving patent applicants the trouble and expense of filing a precautionary divisional application, along with the main patent application, the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office has taken a decision (G 0001/09, Sony Deutschland) allowing the divisional application to be submitted after the relevant patent application is rejected but before the time limit of filing an appeal expires.

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USPTO extends first action interview program for a further six months

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:11:54 GMT

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Hungarian Supreme Court refuses SPC for medicinal products based on transitional provisions

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:10:49 GMT

The Supreme Court of Hungary has refused to grant a supplementary protection certificate (SPC) for a medicinal product based on the application of the transitional provisions relating to Hungary's entry into the European Union.

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Brazilian court sets boundaries for protection of well known marks

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:09:38 GMT

The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has handed down a decision relating to the protection in Brazil of well known trademarks, which will aid judges to understand the concept of Article 6bis of the Paris Convention in order to differentiate well known trademarks from highly known trademarks

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The Netherlands ratifies PLT

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:06:52 GMT

On 27 September 2010, the Netherlands notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of its ratification of the Patent Law Treaty (PLT), adopted in Geneva on 1 June 2000.

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Azerbaijan accedes to Geneva Act

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:06:07 GMT

On 8 September 2010, Azerbaijan deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, adopted at Geneva on July 2, 1999 (the "Geneva Act").

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Syria announces fee payable for applications made under Madrid Protocol

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:05:00 GMT

Effective 14 October 2010, fees will be payable with respect to applications under the Madrid Protocol when Syria is designated either in an international application or in a designation subsequent to an international registration or in respect of the renewal of an international registration.

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Amendments to the application of the Madrid Protocol by the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:03:53 GMT

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of certain changes with respect to the application of the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol) to the former Netherlands Antilles.

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Italy adopts amended industrial property code

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:57:52 GMT

The long-awaited amendments to the Italian Industrial Property Code (IIPC), an effort to harmonize Italian industrial property regulations with the European Patent Convention (EPC), were enacted on 2 September 2010.

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UAE announces "Sunrise Period" for Arabic domain name applications

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:54:33 GMT

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates has announced that it will provide a two-month application window (the so-called "Sunrise Period") for the "dotEmarat" Arabic domain name for trademarks.

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Kurdistan to take up trademark applications

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:53:05 GMT

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) of Kurdistan is now taking applications for the registering of trademarks through its newly established Trademark Department.

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Indonesia introduces recordal of patent assignments

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:30:28 GMT

In a bid to end all uncertainty regarding the identity of assignees in patent applications, the Indonesian government issued a Presidential Decree to implement certain Patent Law provisions relating to recordal of patent assignments.

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EPO not to accept Swiss-type claims

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:30:08 GMT

Following on the decision of the Enlarged Board of Appeal that "where the subject-matter of a claim is rendered novel only by a new therapeutic use of a medicament, such claim may no longer have the format of the so-called Swiss-type claim", the Board instituted a three month transition period for new applications to comply with its ruling.

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US and Spain sign PPH agreement

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:30:00 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office plans to start a patent prosecution highway (PPH) with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office to fast track applications by, among other things, using search and examination results of national applications.

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US enters into PPH agreement with Austria

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:29:54 GMT

The Austrian Patent Office and the United States Patent and Trademark Office have entered into a patent prosecution highway (PPH) agreement, whose aim is to reduce backlogs and pendency time at both offices, increase the quality and efficiency of procedures and provide opportunities for domestic applicants to accelerate their application in key markets.

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Amended patent rules adopted in Canada

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:29:40 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has approved proposed amendments to the patent rules, which amendments were published in the Canada Gazette on 9 December 2009.

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Rospatent to act as ISA for the United States

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:29:30 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademarks (Rospatent) have agreed that Rospatent will act as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for international applications filed by US applicants with the USPTO as receiving Office.

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Public access to be provided to Indian trademarks database

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:28:01 GMT

The Comptroller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks of India (CGPDTM), in its continuing efforts to bring transparency to its functioning and services, has announced that its trademarks database will soon become openly accessible and freely available to the public for search and related services.

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Canada enters into PPH agreements with Finland, Germany and Spain

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:26:26 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has entered into Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot projects with Finland, Germany and Spain, which will, among other things, permit CIPO, the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR), the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), and the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) to use work done by the other countries' patent offices to reduce examination workload and improve patent quality.

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EPO subcommittee supports proposals for changes to EPC implementing regulations

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:26:17 GMT

The Committee on Patent Law, a sub-committee of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO), has unanimously endorsed proposed changes to the Implementing Regulations of the European Patent Convention (EPC).

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Spain enters into PPH with Japan

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:24:23 GMT

Effective 1 October 2010, the SPTO has entered into a PPH agreement with the Japan Patent Office (JPO).

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Mexico amends fees and services

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:24:13 GMT

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) has repealed the Certificate of Invention that conferred on the holder a right to receive remuneration from any person who used the protected invention in an industrial or commercial setting.

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UKIPO publishes new tribunal practice notice affecting opposition deadlines

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:23:27 GMT

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has published a new Tribunal Practice Notice (4/2010), pursuant to which the calculation of an opposition deadline for a UK trademark application will be calculated differently from that of a Community trademark application.

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IP Philippines proposes amendments to implementing rules

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:41:54 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) has proposed amendments to the implementing rules and regulations for patents, utility models and industrial designs to clarify the rules as well as to shorten the existing application processes.

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IP Australia institutes changes to patent examination practices

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:39:52 GMT

After extensive review of its patent system, which included feedback from stakeholders, IP Australia has implemented some changes to its patent practices with the aim "to improve inherent quality and certainty in the validity of granted patents".

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Japanese/Singapore PPH period to be extended

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:37:31 GMT

The term of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program signed between the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) in 2009 has been extended by another year until 1 July 2011.

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New trademarks rules take effect in Ireland in October

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:35:32 GMT

Ireland's new Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2010, which are intended to modernize trade mark proceedings before the Irish Patents Office, will become effective as of 4 October 2010.

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Kazakhstan accedes to Madrid Protocol

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:33:59 GMT

On 8 September 2010, the Republic of Kazakhstan deposited with the World Intellectual Property Organization its instrument of accession to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol).

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Spain and Japan enter into PPH agreement

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:14:16 GMT

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office and the Japan Patent Office announced the establishment of a patent prosecution highway (PPH) to facilitate increased efficiency and mutual protection of inventions to the users of the system.

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Georgia amends designation fee under Hague Agreement

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:11:46 GMT

The Government of Georgia has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that it will apply level three of the standard designation fee under Rule 12(1)(c)(i) of the Common Regulations under the 1999 Act and the 1960 Act of the Hague Agreement for the Protection of Industrial Designs.

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New trademark and design laws for Kosovo

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:07:15 GMT

The parliament of Kosovo passed new laws on industrial design and trademarks in early September.

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EPO and USPTO extend PPH pilot program

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:06:56 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have agreed to extend the trial period for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program between them.

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New classification and reclassification guidelines for New Zealand designs

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:06:46 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has announced the upgrading and optimization of its design search and classification system and will now classify designs using the latest English language version of Locarno - version 9.

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Venezuela amends industrial property law

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:06:23 GMT

The Autonomous Service for Intellectual Property (SAPI) of Venezuela has announced that it will propose a new industrial property law for the country.

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German Supreme Court finds technical software inventions are patentable

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:18:33 GMT

The German Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof or BGH) has published the full reasons of its decision of April 2010 faulting the logic of the Federal Patents Court in rejecting a German patent application filed by Siemens AG, holding that significant limitation of resources of a computer system leads to valid object of the invention.

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EPO nominated ISA by St. Vincent and Grenadines

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:14:01 GMT

The Commerce and Intellectual Property Office of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has identified the European Patent Office as competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed by nationals and residents of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with the International Bureau as receiving Office.

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El Salvador adopts changes in PCT national phase procedure

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:12:09 GMT

The National Center of Registries of El Salvador has adopted changes to the PCT application procedure that require, among other things, that the name of the inventor may be disclosed in the application request or may be furnished later.

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DPMA announces modifications relating to PCT

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:08:52 GMT

The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) has made changes in rules regarding provisional protection after international publication.

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ARIPO moves to protect traditional knowledge

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:55:54 GMT

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has adopted the Swakopmund Protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore, which is designed to protect Africa's traditional knowledge and folklore.

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Mexico amends trademark application rule

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:15:58 GMT

Under a recently adopted amendment to Article 181 of the Mexican Law of Industrial Property (MLIP), it is no longer necessary that a trademark application filed by a legal representative include a power of attorney signed by the applicant.

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Ugandan President approves trademarks act

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:15:01 GMT

In April 2010, the Ugandan Parliament passed the Trademarks Bill, and the Ugandan President has finally approved the bill thus passing into law the Ugandan Trademarks Act 2010.

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USPTO updates examination guidelines on obviousness

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:06:03 GMT

In light of the United States Supreme Court's 2007 decision in KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc. and resulting recent precedential decisions from the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has updated its Examination Guidelines concerning the law of obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103.

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Clarification issued on Indian trademark rules amendment

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:27:42 GMT

Earlier this year, the Office of the Controller General for Patents, Designs and Trademarks (OCGPDT) of India amended the classification of services under the Trademark Act of 1999 and related rules to bring them in line with the Nice classification, such that Class 42 was broken up into four different classifications.

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ECJ decides European and EU Patent Court 'incompatible' with EU treaties

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:26:10 GMT

The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered its long awaited opinion on a centralized European patent court system, holding that "[a]s it stands at present, the envisaged agreement creating a unified patent litigation system is incompatible with the treaties."

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Korean design law revised

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:20:08 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has announced a revision of the law on the protection of designs in South Korea, which will become effective on 1 October 2010.

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New International Depositary Authority under Budapest Treaty in Finland

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:18:50 GMT

VTT Culture Collection, Finland, has become an International Depositary Authority for purposes of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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China issues guidelines on trademarking a state name

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:51:45 GMT

The Chinese Trade Mark Office has announced that it will not accept for registration any trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to the state name, national flag, national emblem, military flag or medal of the People's Republic of China.

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UK to continue with EU trademark owner notifications

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:51:11 GMT

The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has issued a notice indicating that owners of EU trademarks who have registered and paid for the service will continue to receive a warning if anyone files a UK application that may conflict with their marks, even though this service has not been widely availed.

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Upper house passes trademark amendment bill in India

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:50:21 GMT

Six months after it was passed by the lower house, the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, has passed the Trademarks (Amendment) Bill, 2009.

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OHIM facilitates online access to Community Design Registration Certificates

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:49:39 GMT

The Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (OHIM) has established a link to the RCD-Online database to allow Community Design Registration Certificates to be downloaded.

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Korea revises trademarks renewal process

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:17:33 GMT

The South Korean trademark office has introduced an installment system for payment of registration fees and an application system for registration renewals.

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Sudan now provides trademark recordal at customs

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:14:45 GMT

Trademark owners may deposit documents proving their ownership with the Customs Directorate of Sudan, for a fee to be specified by the financial regulations.

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Chile adopts Nice Classification

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:40:32 GMT

The Chilean National Institute of Intellectual Property (INAPI) has announced that, effective 1 September 2010, registration of trademarks will be based on the International Classification of Goods and Services under the 9th edition of the Nice Agreement.

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Serbia accedes to EPC

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:38:58 GMT

Serbia deposited its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) on 15 July 2010, the 38th country becoming party to the EPC.

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INPI restricts divisional filings

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:23:00 GMT

Regulation No. 147/2010, restricting the filing of divisional applications once substantive examination has begun, has been published by the Argentine Patent Office.

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Iraqi Trademark Office releases first list of missing trademark files

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:11:42 GMT

On 7 June 2010, the Iraqi Trademark Office published a schedule of missing files, Nos. 1-16090, which were damaged during the war, so the owners of the listed trademarks may provide the Iraqi Trademark Office with the relevant documents that prove ownership.

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Lebanon considers new trademark law

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:10:40 GMT

The Lebanese Parliament has received the draft of a proposed new law on the protection of industrial, trade and service marks from the Lebanese Ministry of Economy.

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Austrian Patent Office to become a SISA

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:09:55 GMT

The Austrian Patent Office has notified the International Bureau (IB) that it will carry out Supplementary International Searches if designated as an international search authority.

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New IP Office for Cape Verde

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:09:20 GMT

A new Intellectual Property Office has been created in Cape Verde to take over the services provided by the Cape Verde Director General of Industry and Commerce.

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Change in Mexico's PCT fees

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:08:41 GMT

The national fee, payable to the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property as designated (or elected) Office, respectively, have been modified with effect from 2 January 2010.

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PCT fees for Israel amended

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:07:50 GMT

The amount of the national fee, payable to the Office as designated (or elected) Office, under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), has changed with effect from 1 July 2010.

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Indian IPO provides possibility to accelerate procedure

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:06:36 GMT

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) of India has called for patent applications in which First Examination reports have been issued on or before 30 June 2009 to which responses have also been filed and an office action has not been received, to bring such cases to the notice of the Controller General.

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EPO releases notice concerning divisional applications

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:04:58 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has issued an English translation of its 29 June 2010 notice clarifying that a communication from the Examining Division under Rule 161 is not a communication for purposes of Rule 36.

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European Commission proposes translation arrangement

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:17:21 GMT

In another step towards its goal of a unified and enhanced patent system in Europe, the European Commission has presented a proposal allowing patent applications to be processed in one of the EPO's three official languages and eliminating the requirements for translations into other languages.

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Suspended trademarks and trade names to be published in Spanish Bulletin

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:11:23 GMT

Effective 19 July 2010, notification of all suspended trademarks and trade names will be made by publication in the Spanish Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI).

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Zambian decision not to recognize unregistered rights is contrary to common law

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:10:19 GMT

In a case involving disputed rights to a sign, the Zambian Trade Mark Registry decided against an opponent who, it found, had established a reputation in the subject mark.

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China issues new formality requirements for trademarks

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:09:30 GMT

The China Patent and Trademark Office (CPTO) has issued a list of formalities to be undertaken by trademark registration applicants and trademark agency organizations.

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ECJ holds that it is legal to bid on company keywords to drive traffic to a website

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:08:36 GMT

The Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) has upheld an earlier ruling that companies using the names of their competitors as Internet advertising/linking keywords are not infringing European trademark laws.

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Extent of protection for biotech patents defined

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:07:56 GMT

In a landmark ruling in the Monsanto Technology v Cefetra (Case C-428/08) case, the Court of Justice (ECJ) has held that "within the European Union (EU) patent protection for gene sequences only extends to material in which the patented gene is actually performing its function."

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Industrial property fees amended in Portugal

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:07:17 GMT

A new policy has been enacted by the Portuguese National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) initiating minor adjustments in some of the fees payable for industrial property applications.

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Bilski v. Kappos already applied to diagnostic testing and methods of treatment cases

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:05:44 GMT

Following on the heels of its landmark decision in Bilski v. Kappos, the US Supreme Court has vacated the lower court's judgment and remanded two cases for review in light of its Bilski decision.

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Australia amends patent regulations, including fees

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:02:50 GMT

On 29 June 2010, the Federal Executive Council of Australia adopted the Patent Amendments Regulations 2010, which amend Australia's existing Patent Amendment Regulations 1991.

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Libya gets new trademark law

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:02:04 GMT

Libya has recently enacted a new trademark law, which will become effective once implementing regulations have been adopted.

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Fee changes related to OAPI

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:01:18 GMT

Effective 1 August 2010, the individual fee payable under the Hague Agreement when the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is designated in an international application has been changed.

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Germany effects amendments to design regulations

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:30 GMT

Effective 15 May 2010, Germany's design regulations were amended to establish, among other things, provisions relating to procedures for international registrations.

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German design fees repealed

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:59:36 GMT

Effective 1 January 2010, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) established a fee of EUR 12 per design for design application publications.

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PPH between Russia and the US

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:59:10 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Patents and Trademarks of Russia (Rospatent) have reached agreement on a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program.

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Germany establishes PPH with South Korea

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:52:28 GMT

The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) announced that in March 2010 it reached an agreement with South Korea for the establishment of a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program.

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SPTO creates electronic record

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:51:16 GMT

By resolution dated 23 June 2010, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO) has set up an electronic record that will offer access to all public documents filed with the SPTO.

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IPONZ adopts practice note on electronic filing of design convention documents

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:49:49 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has adopted a new practice note in respect of the filing by applicants of design convention documents and translations of foreign language parts of such documents.

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South Korea revises fee structure

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:45:42 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has announced a new fee schedule, effective July 2010.

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Italy ratifies Singapore Treaty

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:43:56 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced that, on 21 June 2010, Italy ratified the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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WIPO revises fees for Madrid Protocol applications in Bulgaria

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:42:49 GMT

Effective 2 August 2010, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol when Bulgaria is designated in an international application has been changed.

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Canada extends trademarks database

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:41:56 GMT

The database of trademarks on the website of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has recently been upgraded to provide more comprehensive information.

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Swiss IP office goes online

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:36:34 GMT

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) now accepts online submissions of applications for most patents, trademarks and designs.

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US Supreme Court upholds denial of Bilski patent application

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:20:40 GMT

The Supreme Court of the United States (Supreme Court) affirmed the decision of the Federal Circuit in Bilski et al. v. Kappos, while ruling that the 'machine-or-transformation test' applied by the Federal Circuit was helpful, but narrow.!

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Amendment to Indian trademark rules

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:19:11 GMT

The Trademark Act of 1999 of India and the related Trademark Rules 2000 have been modified by the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules, 2010.

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New trademark law for Montenegro in early July

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:18:18 GMT

The Parliament of Montenegro is expected to adopt a new trademark law in early July that will become effective eight days after it is published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.

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Ecuador introduces new fee regime

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:17:18 GMT

Effective 1 June 2010, Ecuador's Intellectual Property Institute has raised the patent application fee from $108 to $404 (a raise of 374%) and certificate issuance fee from $54 to $204 (a raise of 378%).

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EPO revises notification acknowledgement procedure

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:16:35 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) has recently begun to send acknowledgements of receipt, to be completed and returned by the addressee, with all notices relating to decisions incurring a period for appeal or a petition for review, and summonses to oral proceedings or to the taking of evidence.

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Israel Patent Office publishes prior art disclosure requirements

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:15:26 GMT

The Israel Patent Office (IPO) has issued a new circular pursuant to which an applicant is now obligated to report all citations in corresponding applications in other jurisdictions and to supply any response filed to the Disclosure Statement (IDS) of a corresponding Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application, as well as a copy of the arguments filed against one prior art objection, irrespective of the citation.

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PPH between the United States and Hungary

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:14:09 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO) have reached agreement on a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program.

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WIPO revises procedure for electronic filing of international applications

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:13:06 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has updated the process for filing international applications under the Hague Agreement.

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New patent fees in Taiwan

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:22:14 GMT

Effective 1 January 2010, the Taiwan Patent Office (TIPO) has introduced a new patent fee schedule.

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Japan Patent Office accepts only online applications

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:21:20 GMT

Effective 1 April 2010, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has ceased to accept applications that are not made online.

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Indian Patent Office launches new information retrieval system

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:20:23 GMT

The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has launched "iPairs", a free patent search database on its website.

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Mexico amends its industrial property law

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:16:08 GMT

The Republic of Mexico has amended and added various new articles to its Law on Industrial Property.

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OHIM reduces time for amendments to translations in EU Trade Mark applications

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:15:08 GMT

For EU Trade Mark applications to the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) that require a translation of the list of goods and services and other text (because the application is not made in one of the main languages), OHIM proposes a translation and allows the applicant time to review and request amendments to the translation.

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Finland changes trademark classification practice

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:14:10 GMT

The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) announced that as of 1 June 2010 trademark registration applicants must specify the goods to which "retail services" are related under class 35.

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Macedonia becomes party to Lisbon Agreement

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:13:12 GMT

Macedonia's legislature has ratified the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration, which will become effective with respect to Macedonia three months after notification to the World Intellectual Property Organization.

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Indian Patent Office continues efforts at transparency

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:12:20 GMT

In its ongoing effort to further transparency in its proceedings, the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) of India has made publicly available the prosecution history, complete specification and examination reports of published patent applications, and all details with respect to granted patents.

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Draft IP laws for Bosnia

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:10:40 GMT

The Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted draft laws in five areas: patents, trademarks, industrial design, geographical indications and designations of origin, and integrated circuit topographies.

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Armenia adopts new trademark law

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:09:49 GMT

Armenia's new Law of Trademarks, which introduces a comprehensive system of trademark protection, will enter into force effective 1 July 2010.

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Changes to Costa Rica PCT procedures

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:53:34 GMT

Costa Rica's Registry of Industrial Property (Registry) has effected a change in the requirement relating to the time when the name and address of the inventor must be given if Costa Rica is designated or elected, under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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PCT procedure change in Dominican Republic

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:53:00 GMT

The National Office of Industrial Property of the Dominican Republic (Office) has notified that protection is available to patents of invention and utility models in the Dominican Republic by means of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Oman designates US as search and examination authority

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:52:19 GMT

The Oman Intellectual Property Department, acting through the International Bureau (IB), has designated the United States Patent and Trademark Office as competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed by nationals and residents of Oman with the IB as receiving office.

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Finland increases certain service fees

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:50:59 GMT

The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland has announced that the VAT rate on commercial services is going up by one percentage point from 22% to 23%.

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Appeal filed in gene patent rejection case

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:49:31 GMT

In March 2010, in Association for Molecular Pathology and ACLU v. USPTO and Myriad, the Southern District of New York court held that certain cancer gene patents held by Myriad were invalid, a decision that is contradictory to the US Patent and Trademark Office's practice of granting patents on DNA sequences so long as they are claimed as "isolated DNA".

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Austria announces change in fee structure

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:47:59 GMT

The special document fees payable to the Austrian Patent Office under the Fees Act of 1957 are now fixed and will be incorporated in the application fees.

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USPTO commences PCT-PPH with Korea

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:46:19 GMT

In May 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced the broadening of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between them to include positive international search reports with written opinions and positive international preliminary agreement examination reports issued by either the USPTO or the KIPO under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Finland and Japan to expand PPH to include PCT products

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:44:25 GMT

From 1 July 2010, the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) will be broadened to include search results of applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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UK fast track for PCT applications with positive IPER

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:42:31 GMT

In an effort to reduce the waiting period for patent approval, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has introduced a fast-track scheme (announced by Prime Minister David Cameron) for applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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USPTO proposes significant changes in patent examination procedure

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:41:51 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has proposed and is seeking comment on a three-track patent examination initiative aimed at both streamlining and speeding up the patent examination process.

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Canada delays move to exclusive use of Vienna Classification

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:41:13 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has been using the Vienna Classification, which is based on the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks, to classify the figurative elements of a trademark as well as a parallel codification of figurative elements using "figurative headings" (a non-standard classification scheme).

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Proposed amendments to trademarks law in Thailand

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:40:36 GMT

The legislative body of Thailand is currently reviewing draft amendments to that country's Trademark Act that contemplate, among other things, allowing multiple class applications, abolishing the "association" requirement for identical/similar marks owned by the same company, including "smell and sound" in the definition of a "trademark", and introducing a grace period for renewal applications.

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Fee changes in San Marino

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:39:53 GMT

Effective 12 July 2010, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol when San Marino is designated in an international application has been changed.

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New IP law in Rwanda

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:35:00 GMT

Rwanda has recently adopted a new Intellectual Property (IP) law that attempts to integrate Rwanda into the international IP system.

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Trademark registration in Libya after 30 years

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:32:24 GMT

Libya issued its first registration certificate for a trademark after a 30 year hiatus.

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EU Council publishes proposals for revision to trademark system

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:31:47 GMT

Following up on the draft published in April 2010, the Council of the European Union (EU) published its conclusions of 25 May 2010 on proposed revisions to the EU trademark system on the online Official Journal of the European Union.

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German Supreme Court eases the requirements for software patents

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:30:34 GMT

The German Supreme Court (BGH) finally settled its age-old disagreement with the European Patent Office (EPO) about the specific conditions of patentability of software thus leading to more predictability and certainty in the patenting of software.

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Proposal to increase claims fees in Australia to close back door

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:28:09 GMT

The Australian Patent Office (APO) has proposed increases to certain fees effective 1 August 2010 that would, for the most part, be nominal - for example, the official fee for entering the Australian national phase is proposed to be increased from AU$320 to AU$340, and the fee for filing a provisional application from AU$80 to AU$110.

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Changes to trademark renewal notices by IP Australia

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:48:57 GMT

With effect from 20 May 2010, trademark renewal reminder notices will be issued both four months and two months before the renewal due date, if payment for renewal has not been made at such times.

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USPTO abolishes petition fee for PPH programme

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:48:07 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that it would abolish the USD 130 petition fee for participation in the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme.

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Lithuania launches electronic patent database

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:47:16 GMT

Effective 29 April 2010, the Lithuanian Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has made available an electronic database of patent applications, granted patents and status changes.

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Azerbaijan adopts new rules on patent and industrial design term extensions

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:46:32 GMT

On 12 April 2010, Azerbaijan adopted new rules to allow for a five year extension term, subject to certain conditions, to the 20-year protection period for patents in pharmacology and agrochemistry. Similarly, the rules allow for a five year extension of the validity of the ten-year term for industrial designs.

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Draft amendments to Bulgarian industrial design law

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:45:45 GMT

The Bulgarian National Assembly adopted draft amendments to the Law on Industrial Design on 28 April 2010 that include, among other things, changes to the industrial design registration procedure.

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JPO proposes reducing patent fees

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:44:13 GMT

At present, the patent fee structure in Japan includes a patent application fee, a request for examination fee and an annual fee to maintain the patent.

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Italy introduces new GI rules

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:42:43 GMT

Of the two new rules that Italy has introduced on the geographical origin of goods, the first is intended to extend to all designations of origin the protection currently afforded by legislation in the European Union (EU) on designations of origin for agricultural foodstuffs; this rule is scheduled to be adopted in the near future as an amendment to the Italian Code of Industrial Property.

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USPTO broadens reach of green technology pilot programme

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:38:15 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has revised its Green Technology Pilot Program requirements so that more inventions related to green technologies can be accorded special status and receive expedited examination treatment.

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Goods in trade sufficient to uphold use of trademark in Australia

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:05:25 GMT

In E&J Gallo Winery v. Lion Nathan Australia Pty Limited, the High Court of Australia handed down a pro-brand owner decision, holding that use of a trademark "does not depend on whether the owner knowingly projects the goods into the Australian market. It depends on the goods being in the course of trade in Australia."

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Austria introduces opposition proceedings

Mon, 31 May 2010 04:44:56 GMT

From 1 July 2010, opposition proceedings may be filed in Austria against trademarks that are published after that date.

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Italy revises GI system for wines

Mon, 31 May 2010 04:43:56 GMT

Italy adopted Legislative Decree No 61 on 8 April 2010 to bring Italian law on the protection of Designations of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indications (PGI), as it relates to wines, in line with applicable regulations in the European Union (EU).

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Greece issues IP notices

Mon, 31 May 2010 04:41:43 GMT

The Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) will make available updates on annulments/revocations of industrial property titles either through its official bulletin or on its website.

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Romanian trademark applications go online

Mon, 31 May 2010 04:39:14 GMT

Law 66/2010 revising the law on Trademarks and Geographical Indicators entered into force in Romania on 10 May 2010 pursuant to which all applications for which a definite refusal or registration has not been made (pending trademark applications) will be published in the online database of the Romanian Trademarks and Patents Office.

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US and China sign MOU on bilateral cooperation

Mon, 31 May 2010 04:37:32 GMT

On 19 May 2010, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on bilateral cooperation on patents, which included a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreement that would help reduce the sizable backlogs and patent pendency in the two countries.

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EU court decides design case using trademark law concepts

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:40:34 GMT

In a recent decision, the General Court (GC) of the European Union (EU) used trademark law concepts in a design case, providing guidance for a trademark owner who seeks to nullify a later registered Community design (RCD).

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Luxembourg ratifies Budapest Treaty

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:39:59 GMT

On 29 April 2010, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ratified the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Micro-organisms for Patent Procedure.

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Kenyan judge orders exception to Anti Counterfeit Act

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:39:04 GMT

In response to a petition filed by three HIV affected patients claiming violation of constitutional rights (in that access to affordable and essential drugs would be limited, thus infringing right to life), the High Court of Kenya has stayed the implementation of the Anti Counterfeit Act of 2008 (ACA) "in as far as it applies to generic medicines".

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Reduction in fees in Jordan

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:38:15 GMT

The Jordanian Trademark Office has announced a reduction of 30% in all charges for filing, publication and registration of IP transactions.

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Spain goes "paperless" in patent grants

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:37:10 GMT

Effective 24 May 2010, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) will no longer deliver a paper prospectus for a granted patent (document B1 or B2) together with a Concession Agreement.

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Fees for Industrial Property Rights in Oman

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:36:11 GMT

The Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry has issued a ministerial resolution on 28 April 2010 setting fees for industrial property rights to be fixed in accordance with the Implementing Regulations issued concurrently.

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USPTO expands application exchange programme

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:33:18 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has opened to all applicants (rather than just the small entities to whom it was originally offered) its "Project Exchange" programme with a view to reducing the current backlog of over 700,000 applications at the USPTO.

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Decision imminent on European patent court system

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:32:26 GMT

An oral hearing was scheduled before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on 18 May 2010 on a centralized European patent court system.

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Fee changes in the Netherlands Antilles

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:33:08 GMT

Effective 12 May 2010, the individual fee payable under the Madrid Protocol with respect to the Netherlands Antilles has been changed.

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Revised examination guidelines in Japan for medical inventions

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:31:42 GMT

As of October 2009, the Japanese Patent Office (JPO) released revised examination guidelines for medical inventions, which are applicable to all patent examinations after 1 November 2009.

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EPO updates PACE programme

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:31:00 GMT

In light of the revisions to the patent guidelines published by the European Patent Office (EPO), which became effective 1 April 2010, the EPO has updated its accelerated prosecution of applications (PACE) programme.

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Spanish Supreme Court clarifies statute of limitations in civil trademark infringement actions

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:30:35 GMT

The Spanish Trade Mark Act provides in pertinent part: "Civil actions resulting from the infringement of trademark rights shall be barred after five years, beginning on the day as from which the action may be taken".

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Antigua and Barbuda nominate CIPO

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:03:41 GMT

The Intellectual Property and Commerce Office of Antigua and Barbuda, in its capacity as receiving office, has identified the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) as a competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed by nationals and residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

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USPTO and KIPO to expand PPH to include PCT products

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:02:55 GMT

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) will be broadened to include positive international search results with written opinions and positive international preliminary agreement examination reports under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Iceland changes to PCT regulations

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:01:08 GMT

With respect to requests for the restoration of rights of priority, the IPO has also notified the IB that it applies the "due care" criterion, and that the fee for restoration of the right of priority requests is ISK 20,000.

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EPO revises PCT applicant's guide to add new requirement

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:00:07 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO), in its capacity as designated or elected office, has adopted a special requirement under Rule 51 bis under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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EPO hands down decision on patentability of computer programs under the EPC

Tue, 18 May 2010 07:58:24 GMT

The Enlarged Board of Appeal reviewed a series of questions relating to the patentability of computer-implemented inventions under the European Patent Convention (EPC) that were referred to it in October 2008 by the President of the European Patent Office (EPO), and held that the referral was inadmissible.

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New law in Vietnam on trade names

Tue, 18 May 2010 07:20:04 GMT

The Vietnamese government has recently passed a new law to regulate the company registration procedure and prohibit a company from using, as its name, a trade name, trademark and/or geographic indication belonging to another entity.

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EPO decides no general ban on double patenting

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:13:03 GMT

In a case decided in April 2010, the Technical Board of Appeal of the European Patent Organization (EPO) overruled the Examining Division's decision to refuse a European application, since its claims were identical to those in the first European application from which priority was claimed by the applicant and on which a patent had been earlier granted.

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Brazil rules on expiration of term of patent

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:10:42 GMT

In a case that has attracted much attention, the Supreme Court of Justice of Brazil (SCJ) held that the validity of the Viagra patent expires in June 2010 (twenty years after the relevant patent application was first made, and later abandoned, in the UK) rather than in June 2011 (twenty years after the application was filed with the European Patent Office).

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EPO extends deadlines due to delays caused by Icelandic volcano

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:09:53 GMT

In light of the disruption to air traffic caused by the eruption of the volcano in Iceland in March and the resultant delays in postal and delivery services, the European Patent Office (EPO) extended to 29 April 2010 all time limits that would have expired from 15 April 2010 to 28 April 2010 under the EPO.

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WIPO fee changes

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:08:40 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced certain changes in fees under the Hague Agreement that will become effective 1 June 2010.

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NZ changes practice on filing receipts and confirmation copies

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:07:52 GMT

In an effort to reduce the volume of duplicate documents, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) will return paper copies of documents that have previously been filed online, by e-mail or fax.

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New trademark regime in Puerto Rico

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:06:29 GMT

In December 2009, Puerto Rico adopted Act 169, which incorporated some of the then existing local trademark statute as well as elements of the US Lanham Act and the Model State Trade Mark Act.

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USPTO extends Enhanced First Action Interview Pilot Program

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:04:59 GMT

In October 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented a six month pilot program to enhance communications between an applicant and the examiner and to streamline the patent prosecution process.

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Austria amends IP laws

Mon, 10 May 2010 04:48:58 GMT

Innovation Protection Amendment 2010 introduces significant amendments to Austria's patent and trademarks laws

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New trademark legislation proposed in Sweden

Mon, 10 May 2010 03:47:11 GMT

The Swedish government has proposed a new Trademark Act, which is intended to modernize and simplify trademark legislation in Sweden, to replace the Trademark Act of 1960.

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New Zealand amends designs act

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:34:51 GMT

Significant changes have been made to the New Zealand Designs Act 1953 in the form of the Designs Amendment Act 2010, which was recently passed.

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Swiss court offers guidelines on “genuine use” of a trademark

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:33:31 GMT

To prove the "genuine use" of a trademark in relation to relatively cheap, mass market goods, it is generally necessary to show sales of a larger number than would be necessary for more expensive or luxury goods.

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New regulations for SPC extensions for pediatric use of medicinal products in Romania

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:32:34 GMT

The Romanian Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has issued regulations mandating a fee of EUR 500 for the examination of a request for a six-month extension of a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) for medicinal products for pediatric use (similar to that for other medicinal products) and a fee of EUR 1,400 for a six-month extension of an SPC for medicinal products for pediatric use.

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New IP laws in Romania

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:11:59 GMT

Amendments to the current Romanian Law on Trademarks and Geographical Indications will become effective on 9 May 2010.

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Canada moves to exclusive use of Vienna Classification

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:10:19 GMT

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New IP laws for Montenegro

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:08:12 GMT

Drafts of three new laws - on trademarks, on the legal protection of industrial designs and on the protection of topographies of semiconductors - are currently being reviewed by the Government of Montenegro.

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The Netherlands calls for limited exemption from the Patents Act for plant breeders

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:02:59 GMT

An exemption in favour of plant breeders will permit cultivators to use patented plant varieties without infringement for developing new varieties.

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Bill to amend South Africa's IP laws

Mon, 03 May 2010 07:00:12 GMT

A bill has recently been introduced in the South African legislature to amend that country's intellectual property laws.

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Design patent law revision bill in US legislature

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:18:56 GMT

A proposal to add a so-called "repair clause" to the design patent law of the United States was introduced in the House of Representatives in June 2009.

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Thailand designates search and preliminary examination authorities

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:12:08 GMT

The Thailand Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has designated the Japan Patent Office (JPO) as International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with the DIP, as receiving office, on and after 15 April 2010.

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The “genuine use” of a CTM

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:08:36 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) has reiterated its view that the genuine use of a Community Trademark (CTM) is not dependent on its use in more than one Member state of the European Union.

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Transparency in Indian patent process

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:16:46 GMT

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks of India has instructed that all correspondence between a patent applicant and the patent office be made available to the public.

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EPO to offer Supplementary International Search

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:12:02 GMT

Effective 1 July 2010, applicants under the Patent Cooperation Treaty can select the European Patent Office (EPO) as an authority for conducting a Supplementary International Search (SISA).

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Sweden to issue A-publications

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:10:58 GMT

Effective 13 April 2010, patent applications made publicly available by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) will be in the form of "A-publications".

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Norway adopts new Trademarks Act

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:08:33 GMT

The Norwegian Parliament has approved a new Trademarks Act, which is likely to come into effect on 1 July 2010.

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Revision of the trademark system in the European Union

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:07:39 GMT

The European Union council published the Draft Council conclusions on the future revision of the Trade Mark system in the European Union on 15 April 2010.

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Syria increases official publication fees

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:06:05 GMT

The official fees for publication of registrations and renewals of trademarks and industrial designs in Syria has been increased by about 100% with effect from 1 January 2010.

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Ireland gets new guidelines for extensions

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:04:48 GMT

The Patents Office of Ireland has introduced new guidelines relating to trademark extension of time requests.

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USPTO revokes rule on interpreting claims

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:03:27 GMT

Section 41.200(b) of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, which required the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) to give claims the "broadest reasonable construction in light of the specification of the patent or application in which it appears", has been revoked by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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Uganda passes trademarks bill

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:35:36 GMT

The Ugandan Parliament passed the Trademarks Bill, 2008 on 8 April 2010 paving the way for registration of service marks in Uganda.

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OHIM to launch Internet searchable database

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:34:49 GMT

TMview, launched on 13 April 2010 by the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM), is a free online tool that enables trademark searches on various official online database registers.

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Finland announces changes in appeal fees

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:34:01 GMT

Effective 1 January 2010, the National Board of Patents and Registration (NBPR) of Finland has raised the fee on appeals to the NBPR Board of Appeal to EUR 200.

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USPTO initiates pilot ombudsman program

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:33:14 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has initiated an ombudsman program aimed to help resolve patent application-processing problems more efficiently.

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Israel to implement the Madrid Protocol

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:30:41 GMT

The Israel Patent and Trademark Office announced Israel will become party to the Madrid Protocol effective 1 September 2010.

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New Trade Mark Journal published in Nigeria

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:29:42 GMT

The local Registry of Nigeria recently published a new Trade Mark Journal; objections to marks published in the Journal must be raised by 31 May 2010.

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Chile launches online payment service for trademark publication

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:28:37 GMT

The Chilean Official Journal and the National Institute of Industrial Property of Chile (INAPI) jointly launched an online payment service for the publication in the Official Journal of extracts of trademarks that are accepted for processing.

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Japanese declaration on Budapest Treaty

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:21:36 GMT

The Government of Japan has notified the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) about a modification to the list of the kinds of microorganisms accepted for deposit by the International Patent Organism Depositary (IPOD), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

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EPO guidelines for patent examination amended

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:20:54 GMT

Effective 1 April 2010, the Guidelines for Examination of the European Patent Office (EPO) have been amended pursuant to a 19 November 2009 decision of the President of the EPO.

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Patent Bill moves from committee to parliament in New Zealand

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:20:16 GMT

The Commerce Select Committee of the legislature of New Zealand has released its report on the Patent Bill that has been proposed to replace the patent legislation that has been in effect in New Zealand since 1953.

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USPTO proposes extension to pendency of provisional patent applications

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 06:18:45 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on its proposal to provide a 12-month extension to the 12-month provisional patent application period.

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Bahrain grants grace period for delinquent payment of annuity fees

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:24:37 GMT

The Bahraini Industrial Property Office (IPO) issued a notification on 30 March 2010 granting a 30 day grace period (expiring 4 May 2010) for payment of overdue annuity fees on patents registrations.

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Revised fees under PCT agreement between WIPO and the EPO

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:02:20 GMT

Effective 1 April 2010, the schedule of fees and charges under the agreement between the European Patent Organization (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has been amended.

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European Union plans revision of trademark system

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:01:21 GMT

On 15 April 2010, a meeting of the Working Party on Intellectual Property (Trade Marks) is scheduled to discuss revisions of the trademark system in the European Union.

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New procedures for USPTO appeal brief review

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:56:19 GMT

In an effort to streamline the appeal brief review process, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced new procedures, pursuant to which the Chief Judge of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (BPAI) will now have the "sole responsibility" to decide if appeals briefs comply with the formality requirements governing their content.

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Costa Rica takes first step towards free trade agreement

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:54:50 GMT

The last hurdle to Costa Rica's inclusion in the Free Trade Agreement among the United States and a number of countries in Central America has been the amendment of some of Costa Rica's IP laws.

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Latvia ratifies Patent Law Treaty

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:01:17 GMT

The Republic of Latvia has ratified the Patent Law Treaty on 12 March 2010.

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Norway accedes to the Geneva Act

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:00:32 GMT

The Kingdom of Norway has deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (the "Geneva Act") on 17 March 2010.

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US court rules gene patents invalid

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:59:30 GMT

In Association for Molecular Pathology and ACLU v. USPTO and Myriad, a decision handed down on 29 March 2010, the Southern District of New York court held that certain cancer gene patents held by Myriad were invalid.

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Amendments to Mexican rules for patent filings

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:58:08 GMT

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) has adopted amendments to the rules for patent applications and registration filings, which will become effective after publication in the Official Journal.

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Delay in informing EPO about no-show at hearing results in expenses

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:56:18 GMT

While it is not unusual for a party not to appear in oral proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO), one such party was ordered to bear not only its own costs but also a portion of those of its opponent for late notice of its non-appearance.

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Extension of European patents to Montenegro effective from 1 March 2010

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:54:53 GMT

Effective 1 March 2010, the Co-operation and Extension Agreement between Montenegro and the European Patent Organization (EPO) entered into force.

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Bulgaria adopts draft amendment to law on marks and geographical indications

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:53:40 GMT

The Bulgarian National Assembly has adopted an amendment to the current Bulgarian law on marks and geographical indications, which is to take effect in June 2010.

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New law on geographical indications for Serbia

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:43:07 GMT

Serbia has enacted a new law on geographical indications (GI), which was published in the Serbian Official Gazette on 26 March 2010.

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Serbia enacts new IP laws

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:42:15 GMT

Effective from 24 December 2009, new laws on trademark and on the protection of industrial design, along with other IP laws, entered into force in Serbia.

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Greece modifies fees regulation

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:39:07 GMT

By decision dated 24 March 2010, the Administrative Council of the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) announced a list of new fees relating to, among other things, applications for patents, utility models and industrial designs.

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US healthcare reform bill affects patenting of biosimilar biological products

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:31:59 GMT

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 ("PPACA"), which was signed into law by President Obama on 23 March 2010, includes a provision for licensing biosimilar biological products.

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ECJ delivers decision in closely-watched Google AdWords case

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:41:12 GMT

In a series of cases referred by France's Supreme Court, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) held in favor of Google in a preliminary ruling over the use of trademarks as keywords in advertising searches.

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Romanian trademark law becomes compliant with European trademark law

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:40:44 GMT

Pursuant to an amendment recently approved by the Romanian parliament, changes to the Romanian trademark law will come into effect in early 2010.

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A new schedule of fees for the European Patent Office enters into force on 1 April 2010

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:40:19 GMT

With the entry into force of a new schedule of fees for the European Patent Office (EPO) on 1 April 2010, the fees are set to increase by 5% to 10%.

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Azerbaijan patent law in effect

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:39:45 GMT

Effective December 2009, the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted a law on patents that provides, among other things, for the extension of a national patent for inventions and for recovery, upon payment of the specified amount, of a patent that had become invalid for failure to file annual fees.

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New regulations for Oman patent matters

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:39:08 GMT

Demonstrating progress in its efforts to develop a patent system in the country, an administrative decision was issued by the Omani Patent Office in January 2010 covering substantive examination, annuity payments and the patent protection term.

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Amendments to procedural provisions of the EPC to become effective 1 April 2010

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:38:33 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) adopted amendments to the Implementing Regulations to the European Patent Convention (EPC), which are intended 'to improve the quality of incoming patent applications and streamline the grant procedure'.

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PPH pilot project between Germany and South Korea

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:38:03 GMT

The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) and the Korean Patent Office (KIPO) have announced the commencement of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), which starts on 1 July 2010 and will extend for two years with an option for extension.

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Paraguay creates a customs trademark registry

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:37:29 GMT

In an effort to prevent the entry of suspected counterfeit products, the National Directorate of Customs (DNA) of Paraguay has set up a register of marks.

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Dominica issues notice on events that need to be published

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:37:03 GMT

Dominica's Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property clarified in a January 2010 notice the types of applications relating to trademark registration that require publication in the Journal of Intellectual Property.

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US Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendment Act of 2010 signed into law

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 03:36:05 GMT

The Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendment Act of 2010, including a key change to remove the disparity in the time periods for filing declarations of use under Section 71 of the Act in connection with the Madrid Extensions of Protection, was signed into law by President Obama on 17 March 2010.

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Korea designated by Thailand as competent examining authority

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:12 GMT

The Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand (DIP) has added the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) as a competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed by nationals and residents of Thailand with the DIP as receiving Office.

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Germany grants SPC based on an MA for active implantable medical devices

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:59:41 GMT

German Federal Patent Court (FPC) overturned the German Patent and Trademark Office's rejection of an application for a supplementary protection certificate (SPC) based on its finding that a valid marketing authorization for a medicinal product, within the terms of Art. 2 or Art. 3b) of Regulation (EEC) 1768/92, had not been presented.

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Spanish Office of Patents and Trademarks opens online filing site

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:59:13 GMT

The Spanish Office of Patents and Trademarks (OEPM) announced that it has established an electronic site, available at https://sede.oepm.gob.es, which will be a single point of electronic access to all applicants.

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New arbitration procedures to expedite patent disputes in the United States

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:58:49 GMT

On 5 January 2010, the Delaware Court of Chancery put into action new arbitration procedures that allow quick resolution of business disputes including patent disputes.

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US Senate orders study to evaluate the impact of patent reform bill on small businesses

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:58:26 GMT

Following up on concerns about the impact of the Senate patent reform bill on small businesses, Sen. Mary Landrieu has introduced The Small Business Patent Data Collection Act of 2010.

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Germany and Japan to extend PPH pilot programme

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:57:51 GMT

The German Patent and Trademark Office (GPTO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) have agreed to a two year extension of the pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme that entered into force in March 2008.

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OHIM proposes change on opposition suspensions and extensions

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:57:18 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) announced in a meeting with the OAMI Users Group that the proposal was being made in response to users' demand for more consistency in proceedings.

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Macedonia ratifies Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:56:38 GMT

The Republic of Macedonia has ratified the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks

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Macedonia ratifies Vienna Agreement

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:00:47 GMT

The Republic of Macedonia ratified the Vienna Agreement on the International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Trademarks.

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Indian IPO requests information on delinquent first examination reports

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:00:09 GMT

The Indian Comptroller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks has asked for details of non-receipt of first examination reports relating to any patent application filed on or before 31 December 2006.

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Change in patent fees in Finland

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:59:39 GMT

The Finland Patent Office announced a change in patent fees with effect from 1 April 2010.

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Italy publishes Implementing Regulation of Italian Industrial Property Code without a timetable for implementation

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:59:13 GMT

The Industrial Property Law Code, which entered into force in Italy almost five years ago, introduced significant changes and simplifications in trademarks procedures and also enacted administrative opposition proceedings.

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Israel restricts number of extensions during prosecution

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:56:50 GMT

The Israel Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks has announced that the usual four month response time to a single Office Action during a patent prosecution can be extended by a maximum of six months.

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Bi-partisan agreement on Patent Reform Act legislation in United States Senate

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:56:12 GMT

The Senate Judiciary Committee announced details of an agreement on long-pending legislation to reform the patent system.

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OHIM updates its Manual of Trade Mark Practice

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:55:39 GMT

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) published changes in its Manual of Trade Mark Practice that deal with (1) the interruption of opposition proceedings in the case of legal incapacity or decease of a party to the proceedings or its representative; and (2) the interpretation of the notion of "real and effective industrial or commercial establishment" with regard to international registrations.

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EPO schedule of fees and expenses goes online

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:55:05 GMT

Supplement 1 to the Official Journal, including a schedule of the fees and expenses applicable from 1 April 2010, is now available online.

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EU court limits DNA patent protection

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:54:31 GMT

Advocate General Mengozzi, Court of Justice of the EU, opined in the Monsanto Technology LLC v. Cefetra BV and others case that "the patented DNA is protected as such - that is, as a chemical substance - only where it performs the function for which it was patented."

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Danes concur with Benelux and Hungarians on ONEL

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:53:59 GMT

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office sided with a 15 January 2010 decision of the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) on the geographical scope of the genuine use of a Community Trade Mark (CTM) in the ONEL case.

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The United Kingdom and Japan pave the way for a permanent Patent Prosecution Highway

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:52:50 GMT

As the current pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) scheme between the United Kingdom and Japan will be made permanent, more businesses are set to benefit from a faster patenting process in these two countries.

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Hungary Patent Office finds proof of genuine use of Community Trademark not sufficient if mark is used only in one country

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:29:21 GMT

A UK company filed an opposition to a Hungarian company's application for the registration of a trademark based on, among other things, likelihood of confusion and provided the Patent Office with proof of genuine use.

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Design application goes online at the German Patent and Trademark Office

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:28:55 GMT

From 1 March 2010, design applications can be electronically filed at the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). Electronic record-keeping was introduced on 10 February 2010.

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United Kingdom IPO introduces changes to patent and trademark fees

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:17:59 GMT

Effective 6 April 2010, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office will introduce changes to the fees relating to applying for patent protection and renewing granted patents, as well as changes to a number of patent and trademark administration fees.

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United Kingdom IPO announces electronic publication of patent documents

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:16:36 GMT

The United Kingdom Intellectual Property office will utilize its online publication server as its official publication means for all published, granted and corrected patent publication documents from 1 April 2010 and consequently, after that date the IPO will stop supplying physical paper copies of published, granted and corrected patent publication documents to applicants.

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Personal properties securities regime to commence by May 2011 in Australia

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:14:48 GMT

IP Australia announced on 1 February 2010 that the new Personal Properties Security (PPS) regime is expected to commence in May 2011.

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Hong Kong to issue notices of deficiency for trademark applications filed without payment of fee

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:12:22 GMT

Effective 19 February 2010, the Hong Kong Trade Marks Registry will issue notices of deficiency if the application fees of trademark applications have not been paid at the time of filing.

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Finland commences electronic filing

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:10:47 GMT

Finland's National Board of Patents and Registration (NBPR) began receiving electronic patent documents 24/7, effective 1 March 2010.

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China adjusts the standard for jurisdiction of local courts over first instance trial of IPR civil cases

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:01:44 GMT

The Supreme People's Court (SPC) released a Circular on adjusting the standard for jurisdiction of local courts over first instance trial of IPR civil cases. The Circular is effective from 1 February 2010.

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Patent Office Fees revised in Austria

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:58:28 GMT

On 16 December 2009, the Austrian Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt) published amendments to certain fees payable to the Austrian Patent Office.

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Bahrain issues Implementing Regulations for Industrial Drawings and Designs Law

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:57:06 GMT

In a press release, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP), Bahrain, announced that with immediate effect the Implementing Regulations for Industrial Drawings and Designs Law No. 6 of 2006 have been issued in Bahrain in the Official Gazette No. 2936 dated 25 February 2010.

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Key IP Provisions in Free Trade Agreement among European Union, Peru and Columbia

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:54:04 GMT

The weblog IP-Watch reports that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) among the European Union, Peru and Columbia contains key provisions on Intellectual Property.

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Indian PTO launches Application Status Search

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:29:43 GMT

The Indian Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks for Patent Applications has launched Application Status Search.

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Ukraine ratifies the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:02:37 GMT

Ukraine ratifies the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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Albania accedes to the EPC

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:01:52 GMT

Albania accedes to the EPC.

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Significant change in granting extensions of time in trademark proceedings in New Zealand

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:01:25 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) will not grant general extensions of time (to file evidence, for example) in trademark proceedings as a result of a court ruling in December 2009.

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USPTO’s New Examiner Count System goes into effect

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:01:01 GMT

The new count system announced by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) went into effect last week.

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Radical changes to the Trademark Law proposed in Bulgaria

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:33 GMT

According to an article published in the Schoenherr Roadmap '10, a draft amendment to the current Bulgarian trademark law has passed the first round of voting in the National Assembly

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High Court provides clarification on the application of the SPC Regulations to vaccines in the United Kingdom

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:10 GMT

The UK High Court has provided clarification on the application of the Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) Regulations to vaccines in the United Kingdom.

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Lithuania receives answers on effective date of market authorization for SPCs

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:59:42 GMT

Lithuania receives answers from the Attorney General on effective date of market authorization for SPCs.

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Slovakia withdraws Acceptance Made Under Rule 34(2)(b)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:59:12 GMT

The website of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reports that on 4 November 2009, the Office of Slovakia informed the International Bureau of WIPO of the withdrawal of the acceptance made under Rule 34(2)(b) effective 1 November 2009, whereby the Office of Slovakia accepted to collect and forward to WIPO the amounts of fees due under the Madrid Agreement, Madrid Protocol and the Common Regulations.

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The Netherlands accedes to the Singapore Treaty

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:56:37 GMT

The Netherlands accedes to the Singapore Treaty.

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Revised Patent Examination Guideline to complement new Implementing Regulations of the Patent law in China

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:38:38 GMT

Revised Patent Examination Guideline to complement new Implementing Regulations of the Patent law in China.

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Switzerland improves trademark classification website

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:14:54 GMT

In Switzerland, an improved version of the trademark classification and examination website has been launched.

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Regulation regarding Montenegro domain enters into force

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:13:44 GMT

A Regulation on the use of the national .ME domain came into force in December 2009.

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Macedonia changes trademark filing fees

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:12:30 GMT

Trademark filing fees in Macedonia have been amended.

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Mediation mandatory in Romania

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:11:16 GMT

Mediation will become mandatory in Romania for all civil disputes as from 3 March 2010.

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Montenegro launches first IP Gazette

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:10:15 GMT

The Montenegrin IPO launched its first IP Gazette on 10 February 2010.

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Israel limits period of filing divisional applications

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:08:46 GMT

The Israeli Commissioner of patents has issued a circular "clarifying" that divisional applications can only be filed prior to the parent application issuing.

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EU Court of Justice Referral on Negative Term SPCs

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:05:27 GMT

The German Federal Patent Court has referred a question for preliminary ruling on negative term SPCs to the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Sitagliptin case.

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Slovak Republic accedes to Singapore Treaty

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:04:36 GMT

The Slovak Republic has ratified the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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New trademark law in Slovakia

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:03:52 GMT

A new trademark law came into force in Slovakia on 1 January 2010.

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Electronic filing of designs in Germany

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:02:19 GMT

As from 1 March 2010, it will be possible to file design model applications electronically.

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'Dosage regimes' decision EPO is out

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:01:36 GMT

The EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal has announced its decision G 2/08, on whether a new dosage regime can result in a European patent.

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New Australian Depositary Authority under Budapest Treaty

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:59:07 GMT

The Lady Mary Fairfax CellBank Australia (CBA) has acquired the status of International Depositary Authority under the Budapest Treaty on 22 February 2010.

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Designs in electronic register in Germany

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:58:09 GMT

In Germany, protected designs can now be found in the electronic DPMAregister.

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Revised filing fees in Portugal

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:57:14 GMT

The National Institute of Industrial Property in Portugal has notified new amounts ofthe filing fee components of the national fee, payable to it as designated(or elected) Office.

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Patent law changes in Moldova

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:53:19 GMT

In Moldova PCT related documents may now be filed by fax, e-mail, on diskette, CD orDVD.

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Norway accedes to the Geneva Act

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:52:26 GMT

Norway will accede to the Geneva Act on industrial designs within weeks.

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Egypt's patent office becomes international searching authority

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:51:26 GMT

The Egyptian Patent Office has been appointed as an International Searchingand Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Egypt relaxes limit for entry into national phase

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:48:51 GMT

The Egyptian Patent Office has notified the WIPO International Bureau that,with effect since 1 February 2010, the time limit for entry into the nationalphase under PCT Article 39 may be extended up to 33 months from the prioritydate.

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Philippines changes definition of small entity

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:47:55 GMT

The IPO in the Philippines has notified changes in the definition of a small entity forwhich reduced amounts of the national filing fee for a patent and for a utility model areapplicable.

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Change in time for filing a notice of opposition in New Zealand

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:47:10 GMT

The Hearings Office of New Zealand has adopted a new practice in relation to the time for filing a notice of opposition to the registration of a trademark.

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National filing fee reduction in Costa Rica

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:45:28 GMT

The Registry of Industrial Property in Costa Rica has notified a reduction of 70 percent of thenational filing fee for a patent, payable to it as designated (or elected) Office.

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Italian protection for CTM runs from application date

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:37:02 GMT

the Italian Supreme Court issued a decision reinforcing the protection for CTM's under the Italian criminal law.

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Practice notice UK Company Names Tribunal

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:35:55 GMT

In the UK, the Company Names Tribunal has published a practice notice that states that "without prejudice" material may not be used in proceedings.

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UAE amends Resolution for collection trademark fees

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:34:45 GMT

In the UAE, a Ministerial Resolution has been issued amending an earlier Resolution regarding the collection of trademark publication and registration fees.

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Book titles not registrable as trademark in Greece

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:33:35 GMT

The Greek Supreme Civil and Criminal Court has decided that book titles cannot be registered as trademarks, because they do not serve to identify the publisher, but only the book as an intellectual work.

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Hong Kong update trademarks registry work manual

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:32:41 GMT

The IPD of Hong Kong has updated the chapter on "variation and recitifcation of registration" of Trade Marks Registry Work Manual.

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WIPO fees for Oman change

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:31:41 GMT

The WIPO has established new amounts of the fee that is payable when Oman is designated in an international application, in a designation subsequent to international registration or in respect of the renewal of an international registration.

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WIPO fees for Australia change

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:30:57 GMT

The WIPO has established new amounts of the fee that is payable when Australia is designated in an international application, in a designation subsequent to international registration or in respect of the renewal of an international registration.

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Language EPO proceedings cannot be changed

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:29:42 GMT

The language of proceedings used before the EPO can never be changed.

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Accelerated case resolution for trademark oppositions cancellations

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:04:08 GMT

In the United States, the TTAB has recently introduced Accelerated Case Resolution (ACR).

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Enlarged Board EPO decides on ‘methods for surgery’ exception

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:02:50 GMT

The EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal has decided on the interpretation of the exclusion for patentability under article 53(c) EPC of a "method for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery".

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Resumption of Swedish legal status data

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:00:44 GMT

Swedish data will once again be available in the PRS legal status database of the EPO.

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New design law in UAE

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:00:07 GMT

Amendments have been proposed to intellectual property laws in the United Arab Emirates.

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Tunisia changes trademark procedures

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:59:18 GMT

The trademark office of Tunisia issued new regulations on 1 January 2010 in order to facilitate registration and renewal procedures.

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Unfair competition law provides IP protection in Italy

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:58:33 GMT

In Italy, the specialized IP chamber of the Tribunal of Milan has prevented two Italian companies from copying and selling G-Star's "Elwood" trousers, because it would amount to unfair competition.

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Appeal in controversial ONEL case

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:55:07 GMT

Onel trademarks has appealed against the decision of the BOIP in the controversial ONEL case.

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First preliminary injunction because of imminent infringement in France

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:52:50 GMT

In France, for the first time a judge has ordered a preliminary measure in a case of imminent infringement.

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Trademark fee reduction in Jordan

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:43:11 GMT

The Jordanian Government has decided to reduce trademark registration fees from USD 930 to USD 645.

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USPTO and IPOS to extend pilot PPH

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:36:41 GMT

IPOS and the USPTO have agreed to extend the PPH pilot programme they started on 2 February 2009.

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Three new offices integrated in EuroClass

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:35:25 GMT

Denmark, Malta and Switzerland have integrated in the EuroClass project, which allows the comparison of classifications for goods and services from participating European offices.

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Update of OHIM manual of practice

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:30:07 GMT

The OHIM Manual of Trade Mark Practice has been updated.

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Chinese declaration on Budapest Treaty

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:06:26 GMT

The People's Republic of China has announced address and fee changes, as well as changes in the kinds of microorganisms accepted for deposit under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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Revised patent examination guidelines in China

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:02:51 GMT

The Chinese IP office has revised it patent examination guidelines.

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IPONZ requires full electronic amended patent specifications

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:02:12 GMT

The IPO of New Zealand requests that when an amendment is to be made to a patent specification for applications which have not yet been accepted, that the entire amended specification is provided electronically to IPONZ.

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China clarifies compulsory licensing rules

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:01:24 GMT

China has amended its patent regulation to give a clear definition of "patented pharmaceuticals" that are subject to compulsory licensing.

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PCT applications by email at IPONZ

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:00:07 GMT

The IP office of New Zealand, acting as the International Receiving Office, will receive applications via e-mail with immediate effect.

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Design protection in Oman for 15 years

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:59:30 GMT

In Oman industrial designs will be protected under the Hague Agreement for 15 years.

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More electronic notices at USPTO

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:58:43 GMT

The USPTO is expanding its sending of electronic notices to trademark applicants who have authorized email communication with the USPTO.

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Trademark database in Latvia

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:35:58 GMT

Since 1 February 2010, a trademark database is available on the Latvian Patent Office's website.

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Israel Patent Office allows no more than two independent claims of each type

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:35:10 GMT

The Israel commissioner of patents has decreed that a patent application may include up to two independent claims in the following categories:

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USPTO introduces recalculation form for patent term adjustment

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:16:28 GMT

The USPTO has introduced a form on its website to provide patentees with the ability to request a recalculation of their patent term adjustment.

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Online services Spanish IP office extended

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:11:35 GMT

In order to improve its service to the public, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office OEPM has put a wide range of forms regarding IP issues online.

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OHIM statement on controversial BOIP decision

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:07:56 GMT

The OHIM has joined the discussion in the IP community on a recent BOIP decision, which was cause of much controversy.

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E-filing and decisions webpage in Canada

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:50:51 GMT

The Trademarks Opposition Board in Canada will introduce electronic filing of requests for extensions of time and statements of opposition in a few months.

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Germany and Sweden take steps to join common classification database

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:47:56 GMT

Germany and Sweden have planned significant steps to integrate in the project to create a common classification database for Europe.

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EPO online filing version 5 available

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:43:58 GMT

Version 5 of the EPO Online Filing software has become available.

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Macedonia accedes to Patent Law Treaty

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:41:19 GMT

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has ratified the Patent Law Treaty.

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Netherlands Patent Office becomes part of NL Agency

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:40:34 GMT

The Netherlands Patent Office has merged with several other public offices in the field of innovation and economic development. The new organization has a new name: NL Agency.

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Swedish practice of examining trademark applications against earlier rights maintained in new law

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:29:00 GMT

The Swedish government has proposed to maintain the examination of trademark applications against earlier rights in a new trademark law.

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Reclassification of Portuguese biotechnological documents

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:25:09 GMT

Portugal will start a project with EPO to reclassify around 3000 documents relating to biotechnology.It concerns technical and scientific documents as well as patent documents.

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State Council of the People's Republic of China approves new Patent Law Implementing Regulations

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:31:12 GMT

The SIPO website reported that the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signed No. 569 Decree recently bringing into focus the resolve of the State Council to revise the Patent Law Implementing Regulations of the People's Republic of China.

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Change of exchange rate in Australia for international trade marks filed under Madrid Protocol

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:32:34 GMT

According to an Official Notice of IP Australia on 28 January 2010, the exchange rate for international trade marks filed under the Madrid protocol will change from 8 February 2010.

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PPH pilot programme between EPO and USPTO extended for 12 months

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:31:48 GMT

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme between the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been extended for another 12 months.

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Increase in Industrial Design fees in Sweden

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:31:07 GMT

According to the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) a number of fees within the field of industrial designs, will be increased from 15 February 2010.

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Mexican Supreme Court ruling on pharmaceutical patents

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:43:32 GMT

Resolving conflicting criteria issued by three circuit courts.

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USPTO and US Department of Justice will not seek review of patent term adjustment case

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:42:17 GMT

The USPTO and the US Department of Justice have decided not to seek further review of the Federal Circuit's decision in Wyeth v. Kappos (7 January 2010).

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USPTO: New rules for docketing RCEs

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:41:37 GMT

The USPTO is changing the Patent Examiner Count System. New rules for docketing Requests for Continued Examination (RCEs) have been announced.

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Commencement of the USPTO-JPO-EPO PPH pilot programme

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:41:01 GMT

The Trilateral Offices USPTO, JPO and EPO announced that the PCT-PPH pilot programme has commenced on 29 January 2010, for a period of two years ending on 28 January 2012.

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Commencement of PPH pilot programme between EPO and Japan

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:40:26 GMT

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) have announced the commencement of the PPH pilot programme. The pilot starts on 29 January 2010. The trial period is two years and will end on 28 January 2012.

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Changes to Korean Design Act

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:39:45 GMT

According to the newsletter of the law firm Sohn Kim & Partners and Weblog Class 99, new changes are introduced to the Korean Design Act as of 1 January 2010.

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Expected reduction of trademark fees in Jordan

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:38:48 GMT

Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) has aannounced that the Jordanian Trademark Office (JTO), has decided to reduce the official fees for trademark transactions which were adopted on 1 December 2009.

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Extension of European Patents to Montenegro as from 1 March 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:38:10 GMT

On 1 March 2010, the Co-operation and Extension Agreement between Montenegro and the European Patent Organization (EPO) will enter into force.

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New Law on Customs Measures for Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in Kosovo

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:37:23 GMT

On 29 December 2009, the Parliament of Kosovo approved the Law on Customs Measures for Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.

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Syria extends refusal period under Madrid Protocol

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:10:13 GMT

Syria has changed the time limit to exercise the right to notify a refusal of protection under Article 5(2)(a) of the Madrid Protocol on the international registration of marks.

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Ethiopia plans introduction of GI legislation

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:09:26 GMT

Ethiopia plans to register geographical indications protection over so-called home garden products like coffee, beans, spices and condiments or aromatic plants.

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Registration in bad faith no argument in Swiss opposition proceedings

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:07:56 GMT

The Federal Administrative Court in Switzerland has ruled that registration in bad faith cannot be anargument in opposition proceedings.

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Dutch Patent Office improves online search register

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:01:55 GMT

The Netherlands Patent Office launches a new improved patent search register this month.

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Amended patent implementing regulations approved in China

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:57:03 GMT

An amended draft of the Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law of the People's Republic of China has been approved at an executive meeting of the State Council.

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China clarifies rules for domestic inventors

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:52:43 GMT

An amendment to the implementation rules of the Patent Law, published last week, details the procedure of government scrutiny over domestic inventions before they are submitted for foreign patent application.

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OHIM launches new version of MyPage

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:44:18 GMT

OHIM has launched a new version of MyPage, the online platform making it easier to do e-business with the office.

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Liberia Joins ARIPO

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:38:07 GMT

The Republic of Liberia has joined ARIPO.

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Duty of disclosure in Israel to include responses

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:27:15 GMT

The Israel Patent Office has decreed that in patent applications, in addition to filing details of citations in corresponding applications abroad as required under Section 18 of the Law (Duty of Disclosure), henceforth, applicants are required to submit a copy of all responses made in corresponding cases as far as Novelty and Inventive Step is concerned.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt seven IP draft laws

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:25:45 GMT

On 31 December 2009, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted seven draft IP laws in the field of intellectual property.

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Extensions for office action replies shortened in Uzbekistan

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:24:06 GMT

In Uzbekistan, extensions for office action replies have been shortened from six months to three months.

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Slovenian IP bulletin just once a month

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:21:11 GMT

The Industrial Property Bulletin of Slovenia, which was published bi-monthly up to now, will be issued monthly in the future.

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USPTO changes calculation of patent term adjustments under Section 154(b)

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:31:48 GMT

The USPTO has announced it will change the way it calculates patent term adjustments under Section 154(b) to conform with the recent Federal Circuit's decision in Wyeth v. Kappos.

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UK IPO revises patent and trademark fees

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:30:23 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will change its patent and trademark fees as of 6 April 2010.

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Formality skipped from patent law Spain

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:27:50 GMT

In a drive to skip unnecessary formalities, article 79 of the Spanish Patent law has been changed.

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Updated electronic filing program on DPMA website

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:25:42 GMT

On the website of the German IP office DPMA a new version of the electronic filing program, DPMAdirekt 1.4 has become available.

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PPH between Finland and Korea and Hungary sets off

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:21:54 GMT

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreements signed by the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) with the Korean and Hungarian IP offices entered into force on 4 January 2010.

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New Canadian Practice Notices on time extension for trademarks and designs

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:21:04 GMT

New Practice Notices concerning extension of time for trademarks and industrial designs will enter into force in Canada on 11 March 2010.

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BOIP online filing now also for Mac users

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:20:15 GMT

An upgraded version of BOIP Online Filing has become available.

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Patent office India to make updated patent specifications available

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:19:01 GMT

The Indian Patent Office will start making updated patent specifications available to the public.

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OHIM view on future of trademarks published

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:17:12 GMT

The OHIM has proposed to give EUR 300 million back to trademark users as a compensation for years of excessive fees.

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Extension of European patents to Montenegro as of 1 March 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:46:36 GMT

The agreement on the extension of European patent protection to Montenegro enters into force on 1 March 2010.

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Israel prepares amendments to Patent Law

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:44:49 GMT

The Israeli Ministry of Justice is preparing amendments to the Patent Law.

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Chinese Tort Liability Law takes IP rights holders on board

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:26:46 GMT

A new Tort Liability Law has been adopted in the People's Republic of China, strengthening the position of IP rights' holders.

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Chinese guidelines on new Patent Infringement Law

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:23:33 GMT

The Supreme People's Court (SPC) in China has released guidelines on the interpretationof the new Law on Patent Infringement.

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Canadian trademark news by mail

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:20:55 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) will start a new email subscription service beginning 18 January 2010.

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USPTO miscalculated prosecution delays and patent term adjustments

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:18:35 GMT

The U.S. Federal Circuit has decided an important case involving the length of patent term adjustments (PTAs) that are granted due to PTO delays in patent prosecution.

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Online trademark application possible in Portugal

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:47:47 GMT

In Portugal, international trademark applications can now be filed online.

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Syria increases fees for trademark and design publications

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:47:07 GMT

Syria has increased its official fees for publication, registration or renewal of trademark and design applications for applicant companies.

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Patentees required to furnish information in India

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:46:02 GMT

In India, patentees and licencees have been asked to furnish information regarding the working of their patents under section 146 of the Patents Act 1970.

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Singapore Treaty enters into force in Russia

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:45:08 GMT

The Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks came into force in the Russian Federation on 18 December 2009.

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Online application for industrial designs now possible in Spain

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:44:09 GMT

In a bid to modernize its IP system, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) has introduced the possibility to apply for the protection of industrial designs online.

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Egypt revises PCT payment instructions

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:19:50 GMT

The Egyptian Patent Office has announced it will request the payment of due annuities at the time of filing of the national phase of an international application, this being calculated as of its international application date, and not after grant.

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Swiss guidelines for trademarks change

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:18:58 GMT

The Swiss IP Office has actualized its guidelines for trademark applications.

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Ecuador creates public pharmaceutical company

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:18:07 GMT

Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa has ordered the creation of a public drug company.

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Spanish Court cannot order transfer of domain name

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:16:50 GMT

In a recent judgment by the IP-specialized Chamber of the Barcelona Court, it has become clear that the Court cannot order the transfer of a challenged domain name to a claimant.

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Saudi Arabia to join PCT

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:15:42 GMT

A Royal Decree has been issued on 14 December 2009, endorsing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's membership to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Serbian protection for industrial designs up to 25 years

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:14:45 GMT

Serbia has specified to the WIPO that the maximum duration of protection provided for by the legislation of Serbia in respect of industrial designs is 25 years.

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Fee changes in Ghana

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:13:54 GMT

Ghana has changed the individual fee payable under Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol concerning the international registration of marks.

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Fast trademark opposition procedure introduced in Austria

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:13:07 GMT

As of 1 July 2010, a new opposition procedure will be introduced for trademarks.

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New phase in collaboration IP Australia and IPO New Zealand

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:12:13 GMT

IP Australia and the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand will start the so-called Stage 3 of a work plan to harmonise trademark examination practices.

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Spain considerably reduces its IP fees

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:10:48 GMT

The Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (OEPM) reduces the majority of its fees by about 13 percent.In case of electronic filing, the reduction amounts to up to 15 percent.

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Publication Latvian IP office available online only

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:09:28 GMT

The Patent Office of Lativa will no longer issue a paper edition of the official publication of the Patent Office 'Patenti un precu zimes'.

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Japan issues examination guidelines for trademarks

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:05:43 GMT

The Japanese Patent Office has issued 'Examination Guidelines for Trademarks'.

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Four new IP laws enter into force in Serbia

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:04:14 GMT

Four intellectual property laws entered into force in Serbia on 24 December 2009.

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Changes in maintenance fees in Austria

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:03:18 GMT

In Austria, inventors and designers will no longer pay maintenance fees in the first five and three years, respectively.

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Trademarks and geographical denominations gazette in Azerbaijan

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:47 GMT

Azerbaijan has recently started to issue an official gazette of trademarks and geographical denominations.

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Cost reduction for design applications in Germany

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:59:44 GMT

A design application in Germany will cost much less in the future, due to a new measure under which the 12 euro fee per model will no longer be charged.

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Opposition and revocation proceedings independent of each other

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:51:20 GMT

The General court recently rejected the argument that an application for revocation is unlawful because of pending opposition proceedings started against the intervener's mark.

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New practice notice on evidential value of UK correspondence

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:33:12 GMT

A new Tribunal Practice Notice ´Correspondence solicited for proceedings' has been issued by the Intellectual Property Office in the United Kingdom.

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Changes in filing trademark applications in Libya

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:29:08 GMT

In the future the Libyan Trademark Office will require a certified copy of the home (country of origin) or foreign registration certificate of the trademark upon filing the application in Libya.

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PPH between Austria and Hungary

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:28:00 GMT

The IP offices of Austria and Hungary signed a PPH pilot program earlier this month.

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Setting up of specialized Swiss Patent Court begins

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:27:22 GMT

In Switzerland, the official preparations for the setting up of a specialized patent court will start in March 2010.

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Liechtenstein has acceded to the Singapore Treaty

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:26:08 GMT

The Principality of Liechtenstein has ratified the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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New patent renewal fees in Sweden

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:25:24 GMT

In Sweden, renewal fees for patents will raise as of 1 January 2010.

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Classification agreement OHIM and WIPO

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:24:35 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and OHIM, the trademarks and designs registration office of the European Union, have reached an agreement on future cooperation on trademark classification.

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Electronic-only CTM certificates

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:23:49 GMT

OHIM has introduced a new system of E-Certificates for registered Community trademarks.

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‘.eu’ domain now available in Greek and Cyrillic script

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:23:07 GMT

The registration of .eu website names is now possible in combination with the use of characters from all 23 official languages of the European Union.

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IP Australia in Peer-to-Patent trial

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:22:23 GMT

IP Australia is trialling a web-based initiative aimed at supporting the patent examination process and improving the quality of patents in Australia in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology.

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Priority Document Access Service for patents coming soon

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:21:27 GMT

IP Australia will introduce the possibility to file priority documents through the Priority Document Access Service (DAS).

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Canadian amendments to patent rules approved

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:20:28 GMT

In Canada, amendments to the patent rules simplifying current legislation have been approved.

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Three filing offices in New Zealand close

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:19:22 GMT

In New Zealand, filing offices in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch will close on 1 March 2010 for clients who wish to lodge documents.

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US accelerates review of green technology patents

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:18:36 GMT

The USPTO will pilot a program to accelerate the examination of certain "green" technology patent applications.

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Major IP offices launch joint website

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:13:53 GMT

The world's five major intellectual property offices - the IP5 - have launched a new website to provide information on their joint projects.

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EU achieves political breakthrough on EU Patent and EU Patent Court

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 GMT

On Friday 4 December, the European Council unanimously adopted conclusions on an enhanced patent system in Europe.

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Swedish fee increases

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:55:25 GMT

In Sweden, a number of fees will be increased from 1 January 2010.

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Germany ratifies Hague Agreement on Industrial Designs

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:54:48 GMT

Germany has ratified the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

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Switzerland denunciates London Act

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:53:56 GMT

Switzerland has denunciated the London (1934) Act and of the Additional Act of Monaco of the Hague Agreement concerning the international deposit of industrial designs.

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Venezuela to examine all pharmaceutical patents

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:52:53 GMT

All pharmaceutical patents in Venezuela are to be examined to see if they have fulfilled the corresponding proceeding.

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Patentscope information on five additional offices

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:43:56 GMT

PCT national phase information from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), Belarus, Hungary, Malaysia and the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) has now been included in the PATENTSCOPE® Search Service.

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Jordanian trademark fees soaring

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:43:03 GMT

Trademark fees in Jordania have increased enormously, due to legal changes which entered into force on 1 December 2009.

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Sudan accedes to Madrid Protocol

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:31:12 GMT

Sudan has acceded to the Madrid Agreement on the international registration of marks

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Revision of EPO fees

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:30:29 GMT

The EPO is revising its fees, starting 1 April 2010.

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New electronic patent service in South Korea

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:57:19 GMT

In South Korea, a new electronic patent application service was opened this month, for an easier and more convenient intellectual property (IP) application and management.

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New Belarus law on trademarks and service marks

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:56:10 GMT

A new Belarus Law on Trademarks and Service Marks will enter into force on 25 January 2010.

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USA gets access to Indian traditional knowledge search tool

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:55:07 GMT

The Government of India has granted the USTPO's patent examiners access to a new digital database containing a compilation of traditional Indian knowledge.

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Online filing EP translations in Sweden

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:54:08 GMT

It is now possible to file EP translations to the Swedish Patent and Registration Office using the eOLF (epoline® On Line Filing) software.

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IP Law amendment regulations Australia enter into force

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:53:25 GMT

In Australia, IP Law Amendment Regulations will enter into force on 12 December 2009.

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Freeze of the 1934 Act on registration of industrial designs

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:52:23 GMT

The contracting states to the London (1934) Act of the Hague Agreement concerning the international deposit of industrial designs have frozen the application of this Act as from 1 January 2010.

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IP5 seeks standardization of patent examination

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:51:14 GMT

The IP5, the five major intellectual property offices of the world, are seeking to standardize patent examination.

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EPO and UK IPO disagree on standard for proof of availability on internet

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:50:27 GMT

The Hearing Office of the UK's Intellectual Property Office had to decide earlier this month in Ranger Services Ltd's application on the degree of proof required with regard to the date on which internet-held prior art is taken to be made available to the public.

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Changes in SPC practice in Germany

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:48:28 GMT

The SPC practice in Germany has changed due to the 'Patentrechtsmodernisierungsgesetz', which entered into force on 1 October 2009.

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Canadian name change for international depositary authority

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:44:01 GMT

In Canada, the name has changed of the international depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

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CTM Bulletin goes daily

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:43:11 GMT

OHIM has started publishing Community Trade Mark registrations on a daily basis (Monday-Friday).

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Registration of Cyrillic domain names in Russia

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:42:25 GMT

As of last week trademark owners can apply for registration of their Cyrillic domain names in Russia.This has been reported by weblog Class 46.

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Reintroduction of grace period for payment of extension fees at EPO

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:41:45 GMT

Reversing a measure taken two years ago, the EPO has decided to change its practice with regard to the payment of extension fees and will again apply a two-month grace period for the belated payment of extension fees.

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New regime for Portuguese fees

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:40:56 GMT

Changes to Portuguese patent and trademark fees came into effect on 23 October.

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Protection of European GIs in South Korea

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:39:50 GMT

The EU and South Korea signed a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last October, which for the first time in the history of bilateral agreements with the EU, provides for protection of European Geographical Indications and Designations of Origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs other than wines and spirits.

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South Africa restructures IP office

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:38:40 GMT

South Africa intends to convert the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro) into a self-standing commission.

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UAE changes collection of trademark fees

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:37:31 GMT

The United Arab Emirates have made some changes in the collection of trademarks publication and registration fees.

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Venezuela annules two of Bayer's pharmaceutical patents

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:36:43 GMT

Venezuela has invalidated two registered pharmaceutical patents for an antibiotic produced by multinational Bayer.

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New patent fees in Macedonia

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:32:21 GMT

The IP office in the Republic of Macedonia has made some minor changes to its fees.

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English language documents on DPMA's website

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:07:18 GMT

The German DPMA has updated several of its official forms concerning trademark applications and PGI's.Weblog Class 46 reported about the updates this week.

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Changes in electronic filing of trademarks in Spain

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:05:52 GMT

In Spain, a new electronic filing system for applications for trademarks and commercial names will be introduced on 24 November 2009.

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TMview test version goes live

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:05:05 GMT

A test version of TMview, providing free access to more than 5 million trademarks, is available as of 18 November 2009.

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Irish IP journal digitalizes

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:03:31 GMT

The Patents Office of Ireland is to cease production of the paper version of the Official Journal from the end of 2009.

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EPO and JPO to pilot PPH

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:02:23 GMT

The EPO and the Japanese Patent Office intend to launch a bilateral PPH pilot.

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Trilateral Offices to start PCT-PPH

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:59:04 GMT

The Trilateral Offices of the USPTO, the JPO and the EPO will begin a pilot programme in the Patent Prosecution Highway framework utilizing PCT work products such as international search reports, written opinions, and international preliminary examination reports.

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OHIM practice statement on third-party observations

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:57:55 GMT

OHIM recently published a paper on its practice in relation to third-party observations submitted under Article 40 of Regulation 2009/207 in relation to a CTM application.

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Spanish memorandum on absolute grounds for refusal

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:31 GMT

The Spanish Patents and Trade Marks Office (OEPM) has recently made available on its website a memorandum on its practice regarding the application of absolute grounds for refusal.

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First scent mark registered in Argentina

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:07:03 GMT

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in Argentina registered its first scent trademark earlier this year.

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Burundi & Rwanda to implement new IP laws

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:01:56 GMT

A new Industrial Property law has recently been enacted in Burundi.

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New system for filing trademark applications in Mexico

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:01:01 GMT

The Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) has introduced Solmarnet, a new system for filing trademark applications online.

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Dutch patent law changes due

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:59:59 GMT

In the Netherlands and the Dutch Antilles, changes in the patent law and regulations will enter into force to implement the Patent Law Treaty.

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Kosovo working on new regulations for protection of IP rights

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:44 GMT

Kosovo is preparing new customs regulations regarding goods infringing IP rights, in order to bring them fully in line with EU regulations.

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USPTO accelerates patent process for small entity inventors

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:36 GMT

The USPTO intends to launch a pilot program that will give small entity inventors having two or more patent applications currently pending greater control over the priority in which their applications are examined.

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Italy reinforces IP protection

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:27 GMT

In Italy a law has entered into force which affects, among others, provisions of the Italian Industrial Property Code as well as provisions of the Italian Criminal Code relating to criminal offences in the intellectual property field.

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ASEAN countries in patent examination cooperation

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:18 GMT

Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam launched an ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC) programme earlier this year. It is the first patent cooperation programme in the region.

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Review Ukrainian IP Laws underway

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:08 GMT

Ukrainian lawmakers will review draft legislation that would bring more transparency to the patent and trademark application process as well as establish procedures for third-parties to contest applications for industrial designs.

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USA: Party seeking to cancel a registered mark must prove lack of distinctiveness

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:32:58 GMT

A mark registered on the Principal Register in the United States is presumed to be valid and includes a presumption that the mark has acquired distinctiveness.

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Indian patents include right of importation

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:32:43 GMT

Importation of a product from a country where there is no patent by a third party violates the right of importation of the patentee.

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Oman accedes to Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:03:09 GMT

Oman acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants on 22 October 2009.

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Fast examination for ‘green’ applications in Japan

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:57 GMT

Green applications will be eligible, on a trial basis, for the accelerated examination program of the Japan Patent Office from 1 November 2009.

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EPO notice on date of first communication

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:46 GMT

The EPO issued a notice this week on the establishment of the date of the Examining Division's first communication for calculation of the time limit for filing divisionals as from April next year.

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Switzerland centralized IP jurisdiction

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:29 GMT

Switzerland has created a special federal trial court with exclusive jurisdiction over all Swiss disputes regarding validity and infringement, as well as applications for pre-trial relief.

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OHIM to launch a products/services similarity database

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:17 GMT

The OHIM plans to edit a database for the comparison of goods and services.

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EPO issues information on patent protection in Hong Kong

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:02:05 GMT

In view of the London Agreement, the EPO has published updated information on patent protection in the Hong Kong SAR on its website.

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EU and Russia in project to align patent systems

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:01:48 GMT

The EPO and Russia will start a project to bring Russian patent legislation more in line with European legislation.

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New fees for patents in Macedonia

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:30:09 GMT

Macedonia has changed its fees for the maintenance of patents.

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Russian and Polish patent data in INPADOC database

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:29:26 GMT

Legal status data for Russian and Polish patents and utility models are now available in the International Patent Documentation Center's (INPADOC) legal status database.

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Fee changes in Albania

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:23:27 GMT

The Albanian Patents and Trademarks Office (PTO) has recently changed its official fees.

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Changes in requirements for trademark cases at USPTO

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:22:36 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is revising the Trademark Rules of Practice to set forth the requirements for signature of documents filed in the Office, recognition of representatives, and establishing and changing the correspondence address in trademark cases.

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PPH between Finland and Hungary

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:21:43 GMT

Finland and Hungary will start a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme on 4 January 2010.

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Liberia accedes to Madrid protocol

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:20:34 GMT

Liberia has ratified the Madrid Protocol Concerning the International Registration of Marks.

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Five-yearly filing of Declaration of Intention to Use advised in Mozambique

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:19:51 GMT

Although under a Notice issued last year it is not always obligatory to file a Declaration of Intention to Use (DIU), it is safer to do so anyway.

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Changes in Italian IP laws

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:18:49 GMT

In Italy, changes in IP law and criminal law were introduced in summer.

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EPO notice on refunding of examination fees

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:17:56 GMT

The European Patent Office issued a notice on refunding of examination fees last week.

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Ecuador grants obligatory patent licenses

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:16:16 GMT

A presidential decree which grants obligatory patent licenses to some pharmaceuticals has been enacted in Ecuador.

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EC provisions for Community Patent

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:43:13 GMT

The European Commission has proposed amendments to the EPC to pave the way for a Community patent.

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Tribunal Kenya rules ARIPO patents cannot be revoked

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:21:19 GMT

The Industrial Property Tribunal of Kenya has ruled that it has no jurisdiction to hear applications to revoke patents granted by ARIPO.

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Polish legal status data in EPO database

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:20:38 GMT

Starting week 44 of this year, Polish legal status data will be included in the EPO INPADOC PRS database.

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France ratifies Patent Law Treaty

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:19:48 GMT

On 5 October 2009, the French government deposited its instrument of ratification of the Patent Law Treaty, which was adopted on 1 June 2000.

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EPO amendments to the Implementing Regulations to the EPC

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:19:08 GMT

On 15 October 2009, the European Patent Office issued a Notice concerning amendments to the Implementing Regulations to the European Patent Convention (EPC).

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Serbia accedes to the Hague Agreement

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:18:17 GMT

Serbia accedes to the Geneva (1999) Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

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French IP litigation centralized

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:17:38 GMT

As of 1 November 2009, only the Paris based "tribunal de grande instance" (TGI) and the "cour d'appel" (CA) will be competent in patent litigation cases.

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USPTO rescinds controversial patent regulations package proposed by previous Administration

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:16:14 GMT

In a press release dated 8 October 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced that it rescinds the controversial new regulations proposed by the previous USPTO administration concerning the number of claims and continuations allowed in a patent application.

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Cooperation agreement USPTO and ARIPO

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:57:00 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) have signed a historic Workplan for Bilateral Cooperation on intellectual property issues.

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South Korea extends Document Exchange to Spain and the UK

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:54:46 GMT

The South Korean IP office has been applying the online Priority Document Exchange to Spain and the UK from 1 and 4 October 2009, respectively.

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French IP office launches digital database

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:53:54 GMT

The French INPI launched a new database in week 41 of 2009.

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Reputation in one member state is enough for EU protection trademark

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:37:02 GMT

The European Court of Justice has ruled that a trademark is protected in the whole EU as a "trademark with a reputation" for the purposes of Article 9(1)(c) of Regulation 40/94 if it has a reputation only in one member state.

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USPTO expands First Action Interview pilot

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:24:22 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is expanding its First Action Interview Pilot Program.

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Syria waives Boycott Declaration request

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:23:23 GMT

The Syrian Trademark Office no longer demands an Israel Boycott Declaration for trademark applications.

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Libya amends trademark law

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:22:17 GMT

The Trademark Law of Lybia has been changed.

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Thailand accedes to Patent Cooperation Treaty

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:39:55 GMT

Thailand has acceded to the Patent Cooperation Treaty on 24 September 2009.

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Moldovan Regulation on patents into force

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:39:05 GMT

In Moldova, a new Regulation on the procedure for filing, examination and registration of patent application and on issue of a patent came into force in September 2009.

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Moldovan regulation on trademarks into force

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:37:58 GMT

The Moldovan Regulation on the procedure for filing, examination and registration of the trademarks entered into force in August 2009.

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PPH programs between Korea and the UK, Canada and Finland

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:37:05 GMT

Patent prosecution highways will be open between South Korea and the UK, Canada and Finland shortly.

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Canada signs three new PPH Pilot Agreements

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:34:42 GMT

Agreements to launch two-year pilot programs between Canada-Japan, Canada-Denmark, and Canada-Korea were signed in Geneva, Switzerland by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office on 1 October 2009.

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Bulgarian Patent Office to implement electronic filing

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:32:42 GMT

The Bulgarian Patent Office has implemented the Operational Program Administrative Capacity Project (OPAC).

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New status description for trademark applications in New Zealand

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:27:32 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand has introduced a new status for trademark applications called "45 - Ready for examination".

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Greece amends time-bar for unfair competition claims

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:34:20 GMT

In Greece, the time-bar for unfair competition claims have been extended under the recently adopted Act No. 3784/2009.

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Indian Supreme Courts wants 'punctual' IP litigation

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:01:35 GMT

The Indian Supreme Court has issued a judgment in which it condemns the practice in India that IP law suits are hardly ever decided finally.

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USPTO issues trademark examination guides on deceptiveness refusals

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:07:55 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has published two Trademark Examination Guides regarding deceptiveness refusals for non-geographic and geographic marks.

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Changes to Examiner Count System USPTO

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:06:49 GMT

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) director David Kappos has unveiled a series of proposals to bring significant change to the examiner "count system".

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Lower fees for German online patent applications

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:03:30 GMT

The German Patent- und Markenamt (DPMA) has lowered the fees for online patent applications as of 1 October 2009.

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E-filing in batches in Spain

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:48:26 GMT

As of 22 September 2009, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO), will offer users a new application method that enables applications to register trademarks and trade names to be made in groups or batches.

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EPO and USPTO to extend their PPH pilot

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:47:41 GMT

The EPO and the United States Patent and Trademark Office will extend their trial period for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme for another 12 months, effective as of 30 September 2009.

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WIPO and Kenya intensify collaboration on patent information

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:46:57 GMT

With help from the WIPO, the Kenyan Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) will start the digitization and dissemination of Kenyan patent documents via WIPO's PATENTSCOPE® service.

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Patent fee changes in Germany

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:45:24 GMT

Fees for patent applications in Germany will change as of 1 October 2009.

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'Shoud have known' no longer fraud criterium in U.S. trademark cases

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:43:50 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has recently removed the 'should have known' test from the fraud standard in trademark cases.

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New rules of procedure in IP legal cases in England and Wales

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:40:28 GMT

On 1 October 2009 new civil procedure rules (CPR) will enter into force in England and Wales, including rules governing IP claims.

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Online File Inspection Service in New Zealand

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:39:13 GMT

The IP office of New Zealand has introduced an online service which will enable clients to keep track of their correspondence with IPONZ.

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Google Adwords 'not infringement' says ECJ Advocate General

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:35:42 GMT

The ECJ's Advocate General has said that Google has not committed a trademark infringement by allowing advertisers to select, in AdWords, keywords corresponding to trademarks.

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Contributory infringement legislation not in new Taiwanese Patent Act

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:54:58 GMT

TIPO has decided not to include this new legislation into the current Patent Act draft amendment.

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PPH pilot between Finland and South Korea

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:52:39 GMT

Finland and South Korea have agreed to start a Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program next year.

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Changes in USPTO Notices of Publication in trademark applications

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:40:17 GMT

On 6 October 2009, the USPTO will begin sending electronic Notices of Publication to trademark applicants who have authorized e-mail communication with the USPTO.

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EPO notice on filing of a certified copy of an earlier application

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:39:20 GMT

Applicants filing a divisional application are released from their obligation to file a certified copy of the previous application within two months, provided the latter was a European application or an international one filed with the EPO as receiving office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Brazil searching authority in Sao Tome and Principe

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:36:42 GMT

In Sao Tome and Principe, Brazil has been designated as competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications.

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Time limit for entry into national phase in Indonesia

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:35:30 GMT

The Directorate General of Intellectual Property of Indonesia has notified a change in the time limit applicable for entry into the national phase under PCT Article 22(3) before it as a designated Office.

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Brazil international searching authority for Angola

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:13:42 GMT

In Angola, Brazil has been designated competent International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for international applications filed by nationals and residents of Angola.

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Changes in practice as to trademark application in Germany

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:12:18 GMT

In Germany the practice as to trademark applications for services rendered to third parties has changed.

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Changes to UK patent system

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:54:46 GMT

As from 4 October 2009, the UK IPO will introduce two changes to the UK patent system.

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New procedures for trademark renewal in Syria

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:53:24 GMT

The Syrian Trademark Office has made public the implementing regulations regarding the new Intellectual Property law.

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Online patent searches in South Africa

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:56:55 GMT

In South Africa, a patents database has been launched which provides access to the full original documents of granted patents for the period 1984 to 2005.

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Amendments to Vietnamese IP Law

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:54:29 GMT

In Vietnam a new IP Law has been adopted by parliament, which will enter into force on 1 January 2010.

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OHIM updates Manual of Trade Mark Practice

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:53:17 GMT

The OHIM has amended Part M relating to International trade marks of its Manual of Trade Mark Practice.

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Third Revision Of Patent Law In China

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:49:29 GMT

A new amendment of Chinese Patent Law will enter into force on 1 October 2009.

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IP Australia starts new state based service arrangements

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:32:41 GMT

IP Australia launched a new Lodgement Point service in Hobart on 7 September 2009.

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Peru accedes to Trademark Law Treaty

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:31:54 GMT

Peru acceded to the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT) on 6 August 2009.

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Australian court rules academics have freedom to own inventions

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:30:14 GMT

In Australia, a long awaited court decision, dismissing a university's claim that it owned a number of liver cancer treatment inventions in the field of targeted microsphere technology, was handed down yesterday.

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Amendments must tackle counterfeiting in Thailand

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:27:56 GMT

Amendments have been proposed to the Trademark Act and the Copyright Act in Thailand, aiming to strengthen IPR enforcement.

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Cooperation Korea and US in patent examination upgraded

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:26:57 GMT

On 1 September 2009, Korea and the USA started the SHARE project.

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New formalities in Brazil for filing of sequence listings

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:25:47 GMT

On 5 October 2009, a resolution will enter into force in Brazil, regulating the procedures to present a sequence listing' with the objective of complementing the specification of patent applications filed at the PTO.

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Disclaimer admissible even if object is expressly mentioned in patent claim

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:07:32 GMT

A disclaimer in a patent application is not necessarily illegal if the object of the disclaimer has been described explicitly in the application.

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EPO notice on prior art and the internet

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:06:42 GMT

The European Patent Office has recently set out its practice regarding internet citations in both the European and the PCT procedure.

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Polish declaration on designation fee for registration of industrial designs

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:05:35 GMT

Poland has declared it will apply level two of the standard designation fee for the international registration of industrial designs under the Hague Agreement.

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Brazilian STJ allows company to sue infringement of IP right of major stockholder

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:04:51 GMT

The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (STJ) recently decided a company had the capacity to sue, in its own name and behalf, a third party who infringed an IP right held by its major stockholder, although it did not have the formal power to legitimate such action.

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Decision ECJ on supplementary protection certificates

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:03:12 GMT

The European Court of Justice has issued its decision in an important case on supplementary protection certificates for medicinal products.

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JPO publishes draft revision of guidelines regarding industrially applicable inventions and medicinal inventions

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:02:19 GMT

The JPO has published a draft revision of the Examination Guidelines focusing on the concepts of "industrially applicable invention" and "medicinal invention".

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JPO issues draft criteria on patentability of drug dosage

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:16:35 GMT

In order to clarify the patentability of inventions related to methods of usage of pharmaceuticals, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has revised the examination criteria for patents and utility models

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Syrian 2007 Trademarks Law Amended

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:15:47 GMT

In Syria, a decree has been issued on the amendment of articles 44 and 45 of the 2007 Trademarks Law No. 8.

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Public consultation on amendments of IP legislation

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:14:50 GMT

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is holding an official consultation period via its website to collect public feedback on proposed amendments to Patent Rules and Trade-Marks Regulations.

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USPTO issues interim examination instructions on subject matter eligibility

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:14:07 GMT

The USPTO has issued Interim Examination Instructions For Evaluating Subject Matter Eligibility Under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

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Serbia ratifies Vienna agreement on figurative elements of marks

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:13:14 GMT

Serbia has ratified the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks.

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EPO changes rules on divisional applications

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:12:29 GMT

The administrative council of the European Patent Organization has published a notice on amendments to the EPC which were necessary after changes in the procedure for filing divisional applications.

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Serbia ratifies Strasbourg Agreement on international patent classification

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:11:39 GMT

Serbia ratified the Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification on 15 July 2009.

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Serbian Draft Law on Geographical Indications up for discussion

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:10:23 GMT

A public discussion on the Serbian draft Law on Geographical Indications began on 22 July 2009.

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Albania to ratify Patent Law Treaty and European Patent Convention

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:09:26 GMT

As a step towards accession talks with the European Union, Albania has recently announced it plans to ratify the Patent Law Treaty and the European Patent Convention soon.

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Macedonia and Romania cooperating in prior art searches

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:08:24 GMT

Macedonia and Romania signed a cooperation plan for prior art searches in July 2009.

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UK IPO publishes tribunal practice notice on defences in trademark opposition proceedings

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:07:32 GMT

The UK IPO has published a Tribunal Practice Notice on its website concerning defences in trademark opposition and invalidation proceedings.

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Milan Court clarifies requirements of Community designs

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:26:43 GMT

A Milan court has decided, for the first time in Italian case law, that the individual character of a design may result from the combination of the characteristics of previous designs.

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Changes as to exhaustion of patent rights in Switzerland

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:26:13 GMT

Switzerland has switched from national-only exhaustion of rights to European-style regional exhaustion on 1 July of this year.

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Fees for trademark registrations in EU change

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:25:30 GMT

The EU has modified the fees payable under Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol concerning the international registration of marks.

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JPO announces the handling of the applications related to the Drafts Revision of Examination Guidelines

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:02:09 GMT

Japan Patent Office (JPO) announces the handling of the applications related to the publication of the Drafts Revision of Examination Guidelines for "Industrially Applicable Inventions" (Part II, Chapter 1) and "Medicinal Inventions" (Part VII, Chapter 3).

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German Patentrechtsmodernisierungsgesetz will soon enter into force

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:00:17 GMT

The weblog IP JUR reports that the German Official Gazette ('Bundesgesetzblatt Jahrgang 2009 Teil I Nr. 50, ausgegeben zu Bonn am 4. August 2009') has published the Act for Simplification and Modernisation of Patent Law ('Patentrechtsmodernisierungsgesetz').

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Data from Colombia included in the EPO bibliographic database

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:59:12 GMT

The EPO announced on 6 August 2009 that data from Colombia will be included in the EPO bibliographic database from week 33/2009 (10 August) onwards.

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Electronic communications enabled by the Indian Patent Office

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:19:17 GMT

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks has issued a notification, effective from 1 July 2009, that from that date it will issue all notifications and communications electronically.

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Changes to the online process for trade mark applications in New Zealand

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:17:29 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) is introducing changes to the process for applying for trade marks online at www.iponz.govt.nz.

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Triway Pilot Program EPO-Japan-USA

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:12:46 GMT

The Trilateral offices (European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) commenced the search sharing project Triway Pilot Program on 28 July 2008.

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Registration of licenses based on patent applications at JPO

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:11:27 GMT

The weblog Patent Baristas has reported that it is now possible to register provisional exclusive and/or non-exclusive licenses at the Japan Patent Office (JPO) based on a license agreement effective before an application is granted a patent.

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More patents on medical inventions in Japan

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:10:51 GMT

The Japanese Government's IP Strategic Headquarters has announced plans to revise the patent examination standards for medical inventions of known drug compounds.

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Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:53:58 GMT

The information notice N° 15 /2009 concerning a Change in the Amounts of Individual Fee: European Community has been published by the WIPO.

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Serbian IPO adopts guidelines for incomplete applications

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:53:11 GMT

On 25 June 2009, the Serbian Intellectual Property Office (IPO) adopted guidelines for handling incomplete applications.

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Russian PTO issues clarification on revocation procedures for non-use of trademarks

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:52:19 GMT

Due to the lack of clear criteria, the Russian PTO has recently issued a list of guidelines in order to clarify what constitutes sufficient interest for filing a request for trademark revocation due to non-use.

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Structure of UK patent fees reviewed in IPO consultation

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:23:50 GMT

A public consultation setting out proposed changes to current patent fees was announced by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on 20 July 2009.

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Beijing Higher Court reshuffles IPR jurisdictions

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:23:05 GMT

The Higher People's Court of Beijing released suggestion on implementing "The Supreme People's Court (SPC) formulation on tasking jurisdictions of patent and trademark right grant and determination cases".

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Hungarian-Japanese Patent cooperation

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:22:23 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO) have concluded an agreement in order to improve the efficiency and the quality of their work.

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CIPO's new designated establishment in the Atlantic Region

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:21:22 GMT

In an effort to better serve clients in the Atlantic Region, CIPO has a new designated establishment in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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USPTO takes another step closer to full electronic patent application processing

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:20:24 GMT

In a press release of 21 July 2009, the USPTO announced the implementation of the e-Office Action program following a successful pilot project.

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New trade mark fees and services in UK from 1 October 2009

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:49:06 GMT

On 1 October 2009, the Trade Marks Directorate of the Intellectual Property Office is introducing a number of changes that will apply to applications for new trade mark registrations.

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New legal platform for IP in China

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:48:10 GMT

The free-of-charge search tool designed to help users find and access legal resources on the current legislative framework of intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement in China was launched in Beijing, China.

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Draft Rules Of Procedure for a Unified Patent Litigation System in the EU

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:47:51 GMT

The General Secretariat of the EU Council has published Document 11813/09 on 9 July 2009 conveying a Working paper from the Commission Services on the draft Rules of Procedure for a Unified Patent Litigation System.

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Australia: person applying to register a trade mark must be the owner of the mark

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:56:53 GMT

The Federal Court of Australia has held in the "Food Channel" case that a person who applies to register a trade mark must be the owner of the mark.

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2010 Revisions to the Korean Trademark Act

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:06:43 GMT

Recently, revisions to the Korean Trademark Act were proposed.

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Indian Patent Office to issue Electronic Notifications

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:05:07 GMT

On the recommendations of the fifth Consultative Working Group on Patents, Designs and Trademarks in India reforms have been introduced for the issuing of electronic notifications to patent applicants.

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Controversy over Kenyan anti-counterfeiting law

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:11:45 GMT

Three HIV/AIDS patients in Kenya have announced they will petition the country's Constitutional Court to declare a new anti-counterfeiting act illegal because it could deny them access to generic medicines.

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Canada changes practice in opposition procedures

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:10:42 GMT

In Canada the Trademarks Opposition Board will change its practice as of 14 September 2009.

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Digital Access Service in South Korea

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:09:00 GMT

South Korea has announced it will launch the Digital Access Service (DAS).

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New trademark fees and services in the UK

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:08:04 GMT

From October 2009, businesses will be able to register trademarks more cheaply and easily thanks to a number of measures announced by the UK Intellectual Property Office

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South Korea revises examination criteria for designs

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:05:11 GMT

In South Korea, examination criteria for designs changed on 15 May 2009.

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Spain international search authority for Chile and Peru

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:56:12 GMT

Chile and Peru have designated the Spanish Office for Patents and trademarks (OEPM) as International Searching and International Preliminary Examining Authority.

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IPR jurisdiction changes in China

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:47:35 GMT

In China, IPR jurisdiction has been reshuffled.

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Rectification of news item: "Uganda has adopted the Ninth Edition of the Nice Classification" (7 July 2009)

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:48:43 GMT

The adoption of the Nice 9th in Uganda does not signify that service marks are registrable there.

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PPH between Russia and South Korea

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:59:36 GMT

Russia and South Korea have agreed on starting a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH).

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Faster trademark examination in certain cases in Japan

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:58:42 GMT

In the case of a trademark application for which it is necessary to obtain urgently a grant of right, it is possible to request the Japan Patent Office (JPO) to begin the examination process earlier than usual.

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Georgia and Azerbaijan recognize each others IP rights

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:57:51 GMT

Georgian President Saakashvili en President Aliyev from Azerbaijan have signed an agreement to provide mutual recognition of intellectual property rights.

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Automatic patent fee payment in South Korea

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:56:51 GMT

The Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) started an automatic patent fee payment service in July 2009.

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Libya reduces filing requirements

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:48 GMT

In Libya, new regulations have entered into force which reduce filing requirements.

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Finland: Centralization of IPR litigation

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:42 GMT

Finland will centralize its IPR litigation at the so-called Market Court.

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Russian legal status data in database EPO

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:36 GMT

Starting in July 2009, legal status data for Russian patents and utility models will be included in the INPADOC PRS database of the European Patent Organization.

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Confusion about IP rights in Venezuela

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:29 GMT

Confusion reigns in Venezuela with respect to IP rights.

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‘Acts of God’ and Brazilian national phase PCT applications

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:23 GMT

The Brazilian Patent Office has established procedures for national phase entry of PCT applications after the 30-month time limit.

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Finland and US pilot Patent Prosecution Highway

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:17 GMT

The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have agreed to pilot a Patent Prosecution Highway.

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Registrations under Madrid Protocol in Finnish database

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:11 GMT

Details of valid and pending international registrations under the Madrid Protocol designating Finland are now available online.

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PPH pilot between Japan and Hungary

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:33:05 GMT

The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Hungarian Patent Office (HPO) will commence a PPH pilot program on 3 August 2009.

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Publication fee increases in Yemen

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:27:25 GMT

Yemen has increased publication fees for trademarks and industrial designs.

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Change in calculation of annuities in Egypt

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:26:37 GMT

As of 2 June 2009, it is possible to file PCT national phase in Egypt.

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IPO Switzerland to increase filing fee by 57 percent

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:25:54 GMT

The Swiss IPO has announced that it will increase the fee for filing a trademark from 350 to 550 Swiss Francs (EUR 365) starting next year.

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Fee reductions in Hungary

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:24:32 GMT

In Hungary, trademark fees have recently been reduced by 30 to 40 percent.

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Individual fee declaration by Oman

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:23:26 GMT

Oman has made the declaration referred to in Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks.

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Indonesia denounces 1934 Act of the Hague Agreement

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:22:29 GMT

By notification received on 3 June 2009, Indonesia has denounced the 1934 Act of the Hague Agreement with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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Australian IP Law Amendment Regulations enter into force

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:18:18 GMT

The Intellectual Property Law Amendment Regulations 2009 entered into force on 1 July 2009 in Australia.

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Change of individual designation fee in Moldova

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:17:53 GMT

The Republic of Moldova has modified the individual designation fees payable under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

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Japan: new guidelines for patents and utility models

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:56:02 GMT

The Japanese Patent Office has published new examination guidelines for patents and utility models.

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Romanian PTO limits turn-around for trademark searches

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:55:22 GMT

The Romanian Patent and Trademark Office no longer receives orders for the release of trademark searches in 25 working days.

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Serbia ratifies IP agreements

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:54:14 GMT

The Serbian parliament has recently ratified three international agreements on intellectual property.

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Improved design protection in Germany

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:52:27 GMT

The German Bundestag has adopted two laws to improve international protection of designs.

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Free search facilities at Mexican IMPI

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:50:54 GMT

In Mexico fees for several search facilities have been abolished.

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UK-South Korea agreement to speed up patent granting procedure

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:47:08 GMT

The UK and South Korea have agreed to launch a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program.

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Cooperation of Singapore and ASEAN on patent examination

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:46:48 GMT

Singapore and the ASEAN have launched a cooperation program on patent examination.

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Patent Prosecution Highway pilot between Japan and Singapore

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:46:34 GMT

Japan and Singapore will commence a PPH pilot program on 1 July 2009.

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Electronic filing in Spain

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:46:17 GMT

In Spain, electronic filing of IP applications has been introduced.

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Ninth Edition of Nice Classification enters into force in Uganda

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:56 GMT

Uganda has adopted the Ninth Edition of the Nice Classification.

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Egypt accedes to Madrid Protocol

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:41 GMT

On 3 June 2009, Egypt deposited its instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol concerning the international registration of marks at the WIPO.

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European Court of Justice criteria on 'bad faith'

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:18 GMT

The Court of Justice of the EC has issued a preliminary ruling on the question of how to establish bad faith in trademark invalidity proceedings.

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EPO includes Dominican Republic in bibliographic database

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:02 GMT

Starting July 2009, data from the Dominican Republic (DO) will be included in the EPO bibliographic database.

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New Madrid fees for EU designations in August

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:44:06 GMT

The new Madrid fees for European Union designations reportedly will become effective on 12 August 2009.

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New fee payment practices in Canada

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:02:16 GMT

The Canadian IP office (CIPO) introduced a new Fee Payment Form on 8 June 2009.

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New requirements in Venezuela for trademark protection

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:02:07 GMT

Since 5 May 2009, all requests for the registration of a trademark in Venezuela must be accompanied by official search results.

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Implementing Act EPC published in Spain

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:01:52 GMT

In Spain, the implementing Act of the European Patent Convention was published in the Official State Bulletin on 5 June 2009.

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Electronic filing of documents in Moldova

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:25:30 GMT

In Moldova, it is possible now to file patent applications electronically.

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US Supreme Court will have its say on patentability of software

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:24:37 GMT

The US Supreme Court has accepted to issue an opinion in the crucial Bilski v. Doll case, concerning the patentability of software patents.

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Regional exhaustion of patent right introduced in Switzerland

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:23:20 GMT

The Swiss Federal Council has put the amendment of the Patent Act with regards to the question of EEA exhaustion into force as of 1 July 2009.

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Higher fees at Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:55:40 GMT

New fees have been introduced for the services performed by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO).

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New domicile form in France for European Patents

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:54:44 GMT

Since the entry into force of the London Agreement on 1 May 2008, no formalities are required to validate European Patent in France and they take effect immediately upon their grant.

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No protection Spanish domain names under unfair competition law

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:52:22 GMT

The registration of a national (Spanish) domain name (.es) that imitates a registered trademark cannot be cancelled on the grounds of the Unfair Competition Law, but only if the Court case is construed as a trade mark infringement.

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Estonia ratifies Singapore Treaty

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:46:27 GMT

Estonia has ratified the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks.

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London Agreement in force in Lithuania

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:42:42 GMT

The London Agreement entered into force for Lithuania on 1 May 2009.

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Rules for denomination of origin in Argentina

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:41:30 GMT

In Argentina a decree has been adopted introducing rules for the use of denominations of origin and geographic indications for agricultural and food products.

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German Parliament approves new IP Act

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:40:18 GMT

The German Parliament approved a bill for unification and modernisation of the IP Law on 28 May 2009.

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Russia accedes to Patent Law Treaty

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:19:27 GMT

The Russian Federation acceded to the Geneva Patent Law Treaty on 12 May 2009.

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San Marino accedes to European Patent Convention

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:18:06 GMT

On 21 April 2009, the Republic of San Marino acceded to the European Patent Convention (EPC).

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Irish Patent Rules enter into force

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:17:23 GMT

New patent rules entered into operation in Ireland on 21 May 2009.

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Examination guidelines in English available in Japan

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:16:24 GMT

The Japanese Patent Office has put English texts of the Examination Guidelines for Patent and Utility Models on its website.

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Improved digital IP information Ukraine

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:15:14 GMT

In Ukraine information and reference systems for domestic and foreign users of IP information were introduced in April 2009. The systems can be used free of charge.

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Patent searches on French website

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:36:58 GMT

The French Patent Office (INPI) recently launched a new patent information search site.

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Pilot Prosecution Highway between Austria and Japan

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:36:06 GMT

The IP offices of Japan and Austria signed a PPH pilot program on 19 May 2009.

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Hungary towards accession to London Agreement

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:35:09 GMT

On 20 April 2009, the Hungarian Parliament enacted a Bill which must lead to the accession of the country to the London Agreement.

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New Zealand reviews practice regarding objecting patents on grounds of morality

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:34:19 GMT

The IP office of New Zealand has reviewed its practice with regard to raising objections to patents on moral grounds.

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‘Pipeline patents’ in Brazil under attack

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:33:08 GMT

Last month, the Federal General Attorney filed a legal action at the Brazilian Supreme Court claiming the unconstitutionality of the so-called pipeline system of the IP Act.

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1999 law finally in force in Dominica

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:30:59 GMT

Dominica's new trademark legislation - the Marks, Collective Marks and Trade Names Act 1999 - finally came into force last February.

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Slovakia joins Convention on protection of new plant varieties

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:29:14 GMT

The Slovak Republic has acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants.

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Switzerland protects pure melody trademark

Tue, 26 May 2009 02:26:23 GMT

For the first time, the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has held a pure melody trademark protectable.

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Chinese IP data in EPO database

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:09:05 GMT

Chinese legal status data can now be accessed in the so called INPADOC database of the European Patent Organization.

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Online search of expiry dates of Brazilian patents

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:08:08 GMT

As of 5 May 2009, it has been possible to conduct an online search of the Brazilian PTO's database in order to determine the expiry dates of Brazilian patents.

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New status descriptions for PCT applications in New Zealand

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:06:24 GMT

The IP Office of New Zealand has introduced two new status descriptions for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications entering the New Zealand national phase.

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Ukraine accedes to Vienna Agreement

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:05:37 GMT

Ukraine acceded to the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks on 29 April 2009.

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'Green' inventions fast-tracked through patent system UK

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:04:37 GMT

In the UK, an initiative has been launched to enable inventions with an environmental benefit to be given priority within the patent system.

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Romania introduces fees for publication of trademark applications

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:56:07 GMT

On 1 May 2009, the Romanian Patent and Trademark Office introduced fees for the publication of trademark applications in the Official Gazette.

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Russia tackles abuse of revocation procedures

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:54:57 GMT

The Russian Chamber on Patent Disputes, an appeal body of the PTO, has adopted a stricter policy on revocation requests for non-use of trademarks.

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Regulation on registration of geographical indications in Montenegro

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:36:57 GMT

The Montenegrin "Regulation on Procedures for the Registration of Geographical Indications" entered into force on 21 April 2009.

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New search system of Ugandan trademarks

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:35:46 GMT

More accurate searches on the trademark register of Uganda will soon be possible.

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German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) extends its webservice DPMAregister

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:22:01 GMT

On 28 April 2009, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) announced the official launch of its new webservice DPMAregister

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Reorganization of judgment system planned by Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and its Commissioner Jung-Sik Koh

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:21:19 GMT

To improve the quality of certain IP judgments in Korea, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and its Commissioner Jung-Sik Koh plan to reorganize the judgment system.

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OHIM's new RCD E-Filing service is released

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:20:18 GMT

OHIM's new RCD E-Filing service is now live.

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Change in the Amounts of Individual Designation Fee of Hungary

Mon, 11 May 2009 07:19:10 GMT

WIPO has announced changes in the amounts of individual designation fee in Hungary

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EPO announces measures to improve efficiency

Mon, 04 May 2009 03:38:35 GMT

The EPO has announced measures aimed at improving efficiency in the granting process.

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New practice notice on ex parte hearings in UK

Mon, 04 May 2009 03:37:33 GMT

The IPO UK recently published a practice amendment notice concerning the procedure governing the appointment of ex parte hearings.

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Mexican database for trademarks online

Mon, 04 May 2009 03:35:13 GMT

The Mexican Institute for Industrial Property (IMPI) has introduced a new database for registered trademarks.

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South African guidelines on trademarks

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:28:30 GMT

The Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (CIPRO) of South Africa has reportedly issued guidelines for non-conventional trademarks.

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German ‘Markenblatt’ only available online

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:26:46 GMT

The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) has announced that from 30 April 2009 it will publish its official information at the internet platform DPMAregister.

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Filing evidence online in New Zealand

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:24:40 GMT

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has introduced new online functionality to simplify the filing of evidence.

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Ukraine accedes to Strasbourg and Locarno Agreements

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:23:15 GMT

On 7 april 2009, Ukraine acceded to the Strasbourg agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification.

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PPH between Russia and Japan

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:15:01 GMT

Japan and Russia have agreed to start a Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program.

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Belarus adopts regulation on license, assignment, pledge and franchise agreements

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:08:59 GMT

The Belarusian government has adopted a new Regulation on the Registration of License Agreements, Assignment Agreements, Pledge Agreements on Industrial Property Rights, and Franchise Agreements.

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Poland accedes to Singapore Treaty and Geneva Act

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:08:40 GMT

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announed the ratification by Poland of the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, on 2 April 2009.

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Morocco ratifies Trademark Law Treaty

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:08:29 GMT

On 6 April 2009, Morocco ratified the Trademark Law Treaty (TLT).

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US begins PPH pilot with Germany, extends program with Australia

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:08:16 GMT

The USPTO has announced it will begin a PPH Pilot Program with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).

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Guidelines introduced in New Zealand for Swiss-type claims

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:07:52 GMT

Guidelines on applications relating to the Swiss-type claims under the Patents Act 1953 have been updated by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ).

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Trademark proclamation in Ethiopia

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:08:41 GMT

In Ethiopia, a Trademark Registration and Protection Proclamation may reportedly come into operation.

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Change of trademark fees in Turkey

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:08:22 GMT

The individual fee that is payable when Turkey is designated in an international application will change, starting 1 June 2009.

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Serbian requirements for industrial designs

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:00:57 GMT

The IP office of Serbia has informed the WIPO that, under Serbian Law, an application for registration of a design must contain a short description of the characteristic features.

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Fee changes in Japan

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:46:30 GMT

The Japanese IP office has changed its fees for right obtainment procedures.

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Albania adopts new IP Regulations

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:45:21 GMT

Three new intellectual property regulations have entered into force in Albania recently.

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Patent Prosecution Highway Pilot between Finland and Japan

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:43:43 GMT

Japan and Finland launched a Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program on 31 March 2009.

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Community trademark fees down 40% from 1 May 2009

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:38:25 GMT

The cost of Community trademark will be cut by 40% to EUR 900 for online applications from 1 May 2009, the European Commission has announced.

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EPO extends coverage of Latin American countries in database

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:35:54 GMT

Data from Guatemala (GT) have been included in the EPO bibliographic database as of 30 March 2009.

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New EPO regulation on divisional applications

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:23:49 GMT

The EPO administrative council has approved a new regulation on divisional applications.

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German ‘Streetball’ decision on distinctiveness of a trademark

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:03:49 GMT

The German Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Supreme Court) recently issued a decision regarding the relevant time for deciding whether a trademark is distinctive enough to qualify for registration.

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New Practice Notice in Opposition in effect in Canada

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:01:06 GMT

The Trademarks Opposition Board has updated its practice as of 31 March 2009 through the introduction of a new practice notice.

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Canadian notice on unity of invention

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:33:40 GMT

The Canadian Practice Notice concerning Unity of Invention is in effect as of 24 March 2009.

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Moldova changes fees for registration of marks

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:32:55 GMT

The republic of Moldova has modified the fees payable under Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol concerning the international registration of marks.

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Brazil court reviews patent term extension under TRIPS

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:32:02 GMT

The Superior Court of Justice of Brazil has issued an important decision against the Brazilian Patent and Trade Mark Office (BPTO).

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CTM fee cut early May

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:25:14 GMT

The European Commission has announced the planned 40 percent cut in the cost of a CTM is expected to be introduced in early May.

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New IP bylaw effective in Iran

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:22:29 GMT

The Industrial Property Office of Iran introduced the procedural Bylaw related to the new Intellectual Property (IP) Law on 10 March 2009.

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Codified version of Community trade mark Regulation

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:37:54 GMT

The codified version of the council regulation (EC) No 207/2009 of 26 February 2009 on the Community trademark has been published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

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Improved Canadian Patent Database

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:33:36 GMT

CIPO has upgraded its patent database.

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Rwanda adopts new Industrial Property Act

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:03:15 GMT

Weblog Afro IP reports the Rwandese Parliament has adopted a new Industrial Property Act

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Trade Mark Law reform in Turkey

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:02:12 GMT

A new law on trademarks, aiming to fill gaps created by a Constitutional Court decision last year, entered into force in Turkey on 28 January 2009.

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CTM fee reduction backed by Member States

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:01:05 GMT

Fee changes for Community Trade Marks, implying a 40 percent cut in the cost of trade mark protection, have been approved by the Fees Committee chaired by the European Commission in Brussels.

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Reply to third party oppositions mandatory in Venezuela to avoid abandonment

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:57:56 GMT

The Venezuelan Patent and Trademarks Office (VPTO) has published an unprecedented decision, dated 18 February 2009, by declaring 13.434 trademark applications as abandoned due to failure to timely reply against oppositions filed by third parties.

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Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks enters into force

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:56:35 GMT

Following ratification of the Singapore TLT by Australia as the tenth country on 16 December 2008, the treaty came into force with effect from 16 March 2009.

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New electronic filing system for national patents in Spain

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:55:31 GMT

As of 18 March 2009, the Spanish Office for Patents and Trademarks OEPM offers a new digital filing service for national patents and utility models.

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Montenegro issues certificates of registration

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:53:36 GMT

The Montenegrin Intellectual Property Office has begun issuing certificates of registration, which confirm continuous validity of the intellectual property rights obtained before the Serbian Intellectual Property Office, on the territory of Montenegro.

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Amended Croatian IP Laws enter into force

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:52:17 GMT

Several amended intellectual property laws entered into force in Croatia on 17 March 2009

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Electronic filing service for patents in Romania

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:49:57 GMT

Starting 1 March 2009, the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) has provided an electronic service for filing applications.

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Chile and Peru accede to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:39:16 GMT

Chile en Peru have acceded to the international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

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Online filing of requests and litigation documents at EPO

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:26:00 GMT

The European Patent Office has announced that requests and other documents pertaining to opposition, appeal, limitation, revocation and review proceedings can now be filed online using the online filing software.

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Korean IP office new Search Authority for Australian applicants

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:25:19 GMT

The Korean Intellectual Property Office has officially become an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority for Australian applicants filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

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Swedish adjustments in PCT fees

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:24:27 GMT

Due to currency changes, Sweden adjusted PCT fees for international patent applications as of 1 March 2009.

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US Congress proposes mayor reforms of Patent Act

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:22:47 GMT

Patent reform legislation has now been introduced in both the House and the Senate in the United States.

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Patent Prosecution Highway pilot between Denmark and South Korea

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:20:54 GMT

A PPH pilot project between South Korea and Denmark started on 1 March 2009.

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Macedonia adopts new Industrial Property law

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:18:35 GMT

On February 12, 2009, the Parliament in Macedonia adopted a new Industrial Property law, expected to be in force in March.

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EPO and Montenegro sign extension agreement

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:17:56 GMT

The European Patent Organisation and Montenegro have signed an agreement on the extension of European patents to Montenegro.

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Argentina accedes to the Locarno Agreement on 9 May 2009

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:17:20 GMT

Acording to the Locarno Notification No. 63 the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina is notified by the Director General of WIPO of the deposit by the Government of the Argentine Republic, on 9 February 9 2009, of its instrument of accession to the Locarno Agreement.

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New Practice Notice in Opposition comes into effect in Canada on 31 March 2009

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:02:07 GMT

The Canadian Trade-marks Opposition Board will be changing its practice as of 31 March 2009 through the introduction of a new practice notice entitled Practice in Trade-mark Opposition Proceedings.

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Amendments in Korean IP law

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:59:54 GMT

The Korean Patent Act and the Korean Utility Model Act are being revised. The Korean language has been adopted as a PCT international publication language and a request for reexamination has been introduced, among others.

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Ethiopia prepares for joining WIPO

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:57:57 GMT

The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) has finalized preparation of a draft law that would enable the country join the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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USPTO e-Office action program to begin in March

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:14:41 GMT

The pilot e-Office Action program of the USPTO will be made permanent and available as an option to all applicants beginning this March.

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India opens database on traditional knowledge to EPO examiners

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 06:13:28 GMT

India has granted the European Patent Office access to its Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).

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Higher penalties for counterfeiting in Denmark

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:32:43 GMT

Denmark has raised the penalties and fines for infringements of IP rights and broadened opportunities to investigate and act in counterfeiting cases.

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Hearing decisions now searchable online in New Zealand

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:58:38 GMT

New online service for Decisions of the Commissioner.

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Netherlands Patent Office (NPO) grants a zero-term SPC

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:56:47 GMT

On 22 January 2009, the Netherlands Patent Office granted a zero-term SPC to Merck & Co, application 300287.

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Amendments of Japanese Patent Law

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:53:55 GMT

On 1 April 2009, the Japanese Patent Law will change, extending the appeal period after final rejection of a patent application.

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US and South Korea implement Patent Prosecution Highway

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:52:14 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) have implemented the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) on a full-time basis.

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Pilot Patent Prosecution Highway between US and Singapore

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:44:20 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) announced the launch of a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) on 2 February 2009.

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Electronic payment system for patent maintenance fees in Canada

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:47:26 GMT

A Patent Maintenance Fees Electronic Payment system was launched on 5 January 2009 in Canada.

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Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia new member of the European Patent Organisation

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:47:15 GMT

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia became member of the European Patent Organisation on 1 January 2009.

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Changes in Finnish IP fees

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:47:01 GMT

New fees for trademark and design right matters entered into force in Finland as of 1 January 2009.

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Nordic Patent Institute revises agreement with WIPO

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:45:35 GMT

The Agreement between the Nordic Patent Institute and the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization has been revised.

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Finland introduces electronic publication of utility models

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:45:24 GMT

In section 17 of the new Act on Utility Model Rights, Finland has introduced an electronic publication of utility models.

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Revision of Canadian Manual of Patent Office Practice re. biotechnology

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:45:16 GMT

In Canada, a revised chapter of the Manual of Patent Office Practice ( MOPOP), on the subject of biotechnology, became effective on 14 January 2009.

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Specialized IP court in Mexico

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:45:06 GMT

The first Mexican court specialized in IP cases started its work earlier this month.

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New fee structure at European Patent Office

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:44:49 GMT

On 1 April 2009 a new EPO fee structure enters into force, aimed at reducing the length and complexity of European patent applications and international applications entering the regional phase.

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New Chilean IP Institute starts functioning

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:44:39 GMT

The new Chilean Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial started its work on 2 January 2009.

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China revises its patent law

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:41:07 GMT

On 1 October of this year, a new Chinese patent law will take effect.

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Intellectual Property Rights Bill signed into law in South Africa

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:40:59 GMT

The South African intellectual property rights bill has been signed into law.

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Final Draft of Namibia Industrial Property Bill

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:40:50 GMT

A final draft of the new industrial property bill for Namibia has been circulated this month.

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Revision of PPH Pilot Program Canada-USA

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:40:29 GMT

The requirements and procedures of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program of CIPO and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will be revised to expand potential participation.

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