ALGERIA
November 16, 2015
Algeria has acceded to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks. On July 31, 2015, the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria deposited with the Director General of WIPO its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks.
EUROPE
November 16, 2015
The European Parliament, European Council and European Commission have reached an agreement in relation to a new European Union trade mark reform package, which represent the most substantial change to EU trade mark law since the Community Trade Mark was introduced
ISRAEL
November 16, 2015
On July 13, 2015, a new Designs Bill passed its first reading in the Israeli Parliament - the Knesset.
CAMBODIA - TAIWAN
November 16, 2015
As a consequence of the agreement between the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore and the Cambodian Ministry of Industry, owners of granted Singaporean patents can now re-register their patents in Cambodia.
INDIA
November 16, 2015
The Indian Patent Office has released its Guidelines for Examination of Computer Related Inventions with the purpose of providing a more uniform and consistent guidelines for the examination of patent applications in this field. The guidelines are available in English on the IPO's website.
COLOMBIA
November 16, 2015
The Colombian Patent Office is now conducting a review of patent applications shortly after they are filed, in order to verify if the application contains claims not allowed under their legislation - i.e.: method claims, second uses, Suisse type claims and others.
THAILAND
November 16, 2015
Effective July 2015, the Thailand Patent Office is requiring to submit the following documents within 90 days from the filing date: PoA, Assignment document and, if applicable, a Statement of Applicant's Right to Apply for a Patent.
JAPAN
November 16, 2015
Pursuant to a direction of the Ministry of Agriculture of Japan (MAFF), protection for geographical indications is now possible in Japan.
AUSTRALIA
November 16, 2015
The High Court of Australia in the Myriad Genetics appeal has decided that an isolated nucleic acid sequence, coding for a BRCA1 protein,
CHINA
November 16, 2015
China announced the reduction of certain administrative fees related to IP matters. In particular, fees for filing a TM application, for designation over 10 items of goods or services per class as well as the filing fee for each additional item.
SPAIN
November 16, 2015
Changes in the Criminal Code in Spain are effective as of July 1st, 2015. These changes are aimed at broadening the scope of criminal offences against IP rights, affecting, in particular, fight against counterfeiters and street sellers.
ASIA - PACIFIC
November 16, 2015
On October 4th, 2015, Ministers of the mentioned 12 countries signed this agreement which, among other things, intends to create a platform for regional economic integration, reduce barriers and facilitate the development of production and supply chains.
GAMBIA
November 16, 2015
The Government of The Gambia deposited with the Director General of WIPO its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol.
KUWAIT
November 16, 2015
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Patents and Trademarks in Kuwait has verbally announced that the official fees for trademarks registration will be substantially.