News
41TIPO Lays the Foundation for IP Protection at YODEX
To help participating students and professional designers at YODEX gain a deeper understanding of patents and protect their design works or products through the patent system, TIPO set up the "Taiwan Patent Go" station from May 24 to 27 at the 43rd Young Designers' Exhibition, offering free consultations on design patents.Taiwan Patent Go was one of the focal points for visitors at this exhibition. During the event, Director General Dr. Cheng-Wei Liao of TIPO invited notable guests such as Vice Minister Ching-Chang Lien (former Director General from the Industrial Development Administration), Vice President Oliver Lin, Vice President Nina Ay, and Vice President of Research and Development Shyhnan Liou from the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI). These guests shared their expertise and insights, hoping that the annual setup of Taiwan Patent Go at YODEX would plant the seeds for IPR protection among the new generation of designers.
42TIPO Annual Report 2023 Released
TIPO is pleased to announce the publication of its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting significant developments and achievements in intellectual property rights over the past year. Annual Report 2023 (the whole version) Optimizing Patent and Trademark Examinations●The average first office action pendency and the average disposal pendency for invention patents were 8.9 and 14.4 months, respectively.●The average first office action pendency and the average disposal pendency for trademarks were 6.2 and 7.5 months, respectively.●AI assisted review, speeding up review efficiency: the Patent Specification Error Detection System was launched online in September, and the trademark image search function was completed in November.Bolstering the IPR Regime●Amendments to the Standards for Compensation for Fair Use of Works in Paragraph 3 of Article 47 of Copyright Act were promulgated in April.●Amendments to the Trademark Act passed: accelerated examination program for trademark applications introduced in May.●Revising the Regulations Governing the Determination of Patent Term Extension in JulyInnovative Development of Industry IP●IP Consultations for Core Industries in April : Building Patent Portfolios in Precision Health, Offshore Wind●Patent Analysis for Key Industries in November, i.e. semiconductor industry waste treatment, AI chatbots, etc.Digital Services and Patent/Trademark Searches●The percentages of online patent and trademark applications were 90.3% and 90.6% months, respectively.Expanding International IPR Collaborations●Electronic Exchange of Priority Documents (PDX) for Design Patents between Taiwan and South Korea in July.●Taiwan-US MOU on the Secure Exchange of Patent Data in November.
432024 New Southbound Intellectual Property Conference Gathers Experts from Seven Countries to Aid Industry in Market Expansion
TIPO, in collaboration with the Taiwan Patent Attorneys Association (TWPAA) and the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) Taiwan Group, co-organized the 2024 New Southbound Intellectual Property Conference from June 18 to 19, 2024, at the Tsai Lecture Hall, College of Law, National Taiwan University. The event featured representatives from the IP offices and leading patent professionals from seven countries: Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India, who shared the latest developments and practical trends in their respective patent systems. The conference attracted over 210 participants from industry, government, and academia, fostering extensive and lively exchanges of views with experts from Southeast Asia and India.Southeast Asian countries and India commonly contend with issues such as lengthy patent examination times and backlog. Through recent amendments to patent laws, these countries hope to improve the efficiency and quality of patent examination processes. TIPO Director General Dr. Cheng-Wei Liao noted that Taiwan faced similar challenges a decade ago, with examination times reduced from 47 months to the current 14 months. Taiwan is willing to share its experience in clearing patent backlogs and is open to discussing the establishment of Patent Prosecution Highways (PPH) with other countries to alleviate the examination burdens on patent offices.TIPO extends its gratitude to the Taiwan Patent Attorneys Association and the Asian Patent Attorneys Association Taiwan Group for their support and cooperation in successfully organizing this conference, allowing academic and industry experts from various countries to gather and share their experiences. Through introductions to legal systems and practical analyses, the conference provided a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and trends in patent laws and practices in Southeast Asia and India. This will serve as a valuable reference for Taiwanese enterprises in applying for patents and planning their market strategies, fostering better industrial development.
44TIPO Updates URLs for Certain Website Services Starting April 8, 2024
To enhance information security and provide more reliable public services, TIPO has updated the links for the following systems as of April 8, 2024. Old links will no longer be available beginning May 1, 2024. For the following services, please access the provided links below:TIPO's Patent Specific Terminology Bilingual Glossary Search: https://tiponet.tipo.gov.tw/IPOTechTerm/login.jspGoods & Services Bilingual Glossary Search: https://tiponet.tipo.gov.tw/IPOTMGoods/login.jspTIPO's Library Search System: https://tiponet.tipo.gov.tw/opac895/login.aspxLink to Download Open Data from DATA.GOV.TW: https://data.gov.tw/datasets/search?p=1&size=10&s=_score_desc&cgl-3=453
4580th Anniversary of the Patent Act – Masters Seminar Series
Taiwan's Patent Act was promulgated on May 29, 1944, and consists of four chapters and 133 articles in its entirety. The act entered into force on January 1, 1949. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the enactment of the Patent Act. In celebration, TIPO held a master seminar series on April 26, coinciding with the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.This event featured distinguished speakers including former Justice Ming-Cheng Tsai of the Judicial Yuan, Chief Judge Kuo-Cheng Chen of the Supreme Administrative Court, and Vice President & Legal Counsel Peng-Yu Wang from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). They delivered lectures on three key topics: "Review and Outlook on the 80th Anniversary of the Enactment of the Patent Act," "The Evolution of Taiwan's Patent Litigation System," and "The Impact of Patent Legislation and Practice on Industry: ITRI's Development Strategies for Intellectual Property." These lectures aimed to deepen public understanding and awareness of our national patent system.
46TIPO Shares 13 Strategies for Managing Trade Secrets with Academic and Research Institutions
TIPO helps businesses establish trade secrets protection mechanisms, recognizing that industry innovation relies on robust R&D support. R&D results produced as a result of academic and industry collaboration can also be considered as trade secrets.Given the culture of open sharing among, and the sheer scale of, academic and research institutions, on April 12, TIPO published the Practical Guidelines for Managing Trade Secrets in Academic and Research Institutions. The guidelines are tailored specifically to these institutions and outline 13 practical strategies to gradually establish a management approach suitable for their internal culture. By understanding their internal management systems, personnel, resources, and research areas, these institutions can develop a robust network of trade secret protections that support R&D capabilities and outcomes, bolstering both academic and industry development nationwide.
47TIPO’s Q1 2024 IPR Statistics Report
Overall Trends in Patent and Trademark ApplicationsIn Q1 2024, TIPO received a total of 16,815 patent applications, comprising 11,989 invention patents, 3,226 utility model patents, and 1,600 design patents (Figure 1). Compared to the same period last year, both invention and design patent applications decreased by 4%, while utility model patent applications increased by 4%. Among these, 49% of the overall patents were filed by resident applicants, and 51% were filed by non-resident applicants. Over the past five years, the first-quarter patent applications have experienced a slight decline for two consecutive years, warranting further attention.TIPO received a total of 21,751 trademark registration applications across 26,928 classes (Figure 2). This represents a slight increase of 1% compared to the same period last year. Among these applications, 78% were filed by resident applicants, while 22% were filed by non-resident applicants. Over the past five years, the first-quarter trademark application trend has shifted from negative to positive, showing a 1% increase.Overview of Patent Applications Filed by ResidentsTop Ten Invention Patent ApplicantsResidents filed a total of 4,492 invention patent applications. Among them, enterprises accounted for 3,655 applications. The top ten applicants for invention patents were as follows: TSMC led with 413 applications, followed by Nanya Tech (121), AU Optronics and Innolux (both 84), Acer (71), MediaTek (69), Inventec (65), Realtek (63), Delta (51), and Hon Hai (47) (Figure 4).TSMC has consistently ranked first for five consecutive quarters since 2023 Q1. Hon Hai, on the other hand, has returned to the top ten applicants since 2022 Q2.Top Five Design Patent ApplicantsResidents filed 753 design patent applications, with the top five applicants being L&F Plastics (21), followed by CGUST and Hi-Joint (both 14), and Gung Chian and Coplus (both 12) (Figure 5).Overview of Patent Applications Filed by Non-ResidentsTop Ten Invention Patent ApplicantsNon-Residents filed a total of 7,497 invention patent applications. The top ten applicants for invention patents were as follows: Applied Materials from US outnumbered all others with 250 applications, Samsung Electronics (240) from R. Korea, Coupang (175) from R. Korea, Qualcomm (170) from the US, Tokyo Electron (165) from Japan, Nitto Denko (136) from Japan, Sumitomo Chemical (102) form Japan, Fujifilm (83) form Japan, ASML (79) from the Netherlands, and Nicoventures (71) from the UK (Figure 4).Filing Countries (Regions) of Invention Patent ApplicantsTop five countries (regions) for invention patent applications: Japan led with 3,325 patent applications, USA (1,526), R. Korea (715), mainland China (698), and Germany (222) (Figure 3). Notably, the number of applications from R. Korea has surpassed that from mainland China in this quarter, moving in rankings from the fourth position to the third position. It is noteworthy that the number of invention patent applications from R. Korea grew by 29% indicating the development of expansion of their patent portfolio in Taiwan.Top Five Design Patent ApplicantsThere were 847 design patent applications filed by non-resident applicants. Among the top five applicants, Volvo from Sweden submitted the highest number of applications (32). The subsequent top applicants were Wonderland (27) from Switzerland, Stellantis (25) from France, and Uni-Charm and Tasaki from Japan (both 19) (Figure 5).Both Volvo and Stellantis have entered the top five for the first time, with Volvo taking the lead.Filing Countries (Regions) of Design Patent ApplicantsTop Five Countries (Regions) for Design Patent Applications: Japan leads with 213 patent applications, USA (138), mainland China (105), Switzerland (91), and France (51) (Figure 3).Overview of Trademark Registration ApplicationsTop Ten Resident Applicants for TrademarksTop ten resident applicants for trademarks: Uni-President led with 311 applications, Momo (72), Wu, Ruo-Mei (48), Thinkpower (47), King Car (39), Kd Flash (36), Chelpis (34), Ever Rich (33), Highwealth (27), and Bionet (26) (Table 1).NICE Classification of Resident ApplicationsTop three classes of resident applications for trademarks: class 35 (advertising, business management, retail and wholesale services, etc.)(3,201), class 43 (restaurants, lodgings, etc.)(1,708), and class 30 (coffee, tea, pastries, etc.)(1,586) (Figure 6). This indicates that resident applications represented a larger share in trademarks related to business management and the catering service industry, and the latter maintained significant market momentum in comparison to the growth rate of trademark applications for goods such as coffee and pastries.Top Ten Non-Resident Applicants for TrademarksTop ten non-resident applicants for trademarks: Quanzhou Baoyu from mainland China led with 56 applications, Tencent (42) from Cayman Islands, Honor Device (39) from mainland China, Pledis (31) from R. Korea, Misto Brand and Chow Sang Sang from Hong Kong (both 29), L' Oreal (24) from France, Beijing Guangyi (22) from mainland China, and Gilead Sciences from Ireland and Artshare from R. Korea (both 21) (Table 2).Filing Countries (Regions) of Non-Resident ApplicationsTop five countries (regions) for trademark applications: mainland China (1,261), Japan (736), US (674), R. Korea (449), and Hong Kong (299) (Figure 3).NICE Classification of Non-Resident ApplicationsTop three classes of non-resident applications for trademarks: class 9 (computer and technology products, etc.)(884), class 35 (advertising, business management, retail and wholesale services, etc.)(600), and class 3 (cosmetics and detergents, etc.)(515) (Figure 7). Among these, non-residents placed greater emphasis of trademark protection on computers, audio-visual equipment, and information technology products in class 9, and retail and wholesale services and online shopping in class 35.Analysis of Applications by IndustryMost trademark applications were filed under “Agriculture” (5,915), followed by “Health” (4,449), and “Business and services” (4,181) (Figure 8). Notably, the fourth-ranking industry is “Research and technology” (3,598), showing a higher growth rate of 5% in the number of applications than that of the top three industries.Resident applications focused on “Agriculture” industry (4,985) were primarily related to trademarks for restaurants and accommodations. On the other hand, non-resident applicants filed the most under “Research and technology” (1,433) (Figure 8). Additionally, positive growth has been seen in both resident applications in “Agriculture” and “Health”, as well as non-resident applications in “Clothing and accessories.”Note: The above statistical data for applicants and nationalities is based on the ‘first applicant.’Reference URL: https://www.tipo.gov.tw/en/lp-302-2.html
48Promoting National Innovation with “Taiwan Patent Go” at Major Expos
In April, TIPO set up the award-winning “Taiwan Patent Go” pavilion at the Taipei International Auto Parts & Accessories Show (TAIPEI AMPA 2024) held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and the Designed Giftionery Taiwan (DG Taiwan 2024) at the World Trade Center. Taiwan Patent Go showcases promising award-winning patent technologies, offering them exposure through diverse displays and promotions, recommending them to professional buyers, and facilitating matchmaking. These initiatives aim to commercialize these technologies and open new market opportunities, under the banner “Invent in Taiwan. Create for Business.”In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Patent Act, Taiwan Patent Go also featured special free patent consultation services titled “Coffee Talks on Patents.” Visitors and exhibitors at the pavilion had the opportunity to explore exceptional award-winning patents and receive professional services from patent examiners, patent attorneys, and the staff from the Patent Search Center. Looking forward, Taiwan Patent Go will also be featured at the Young Designer’s Exhibition (YODEX 2024) in May and the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) in October. Visitors from all industries are welcome to visit.
49The Latest Version of the Copyrights Inside the Library Has Been Released on TIPO’s Official Website for Public Reference
The Copyrights Inside the Library explains copyright issues related to library operations and usage in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, with Q&A sections addressing common copyright problems encountered in library practices. The publication has become recommended reading for library managers and staff and readers alike.In response to the digitalization needs of libraries, Article 48 of the Copyright Act was amended on June 15, 2022, allowing the National Library to digitize its collection to prevent loss or damage of works, thereby ensuring the complete preservation of contemporary works. The amendment also allows the National Library, as well as general libraries, to provide online reading services to readers within certain restrictions, helping libraries provide digital services.To help the public understand the latest regulations and practical issues related to library copyright, TIPO commissioned the original author Assistant Professor Chung-hsin Chang from Soochow University’s Department of Law to compile an updated version. In addition to retaining the original content, it also addresses the impact of the amendment to Article 48 of the Copyright Law in 2022 on the use and operation of libraries. Copyrights Inside the Library has been published on TIPO’s official website under “Copyright Topics” for public reference.
50TIPO Introduces New AI “Search by Image” Function
TIPO released a new AI "Search by Image" feature on March 25, which allows the public to upload trademark images and quickly verify whether identical or similar trademarks have already been registered or applied for.The newly launched AI "Search by Image" feature allows users to obtain AI-pre-filtered approximate trademarks without entering any other information. This enables quick comparison with previous cases, reducing the risk of confusingly similar to other trademarks and increasing the chances of successful trademark registration.The feature is still in the beta testing phase, and supplements the current image search system. The public is advised that before the official version is launched, search results should still be based on the current “Graphical Similarity Search” with filters of “Graphic path,” “Goods or Services Name,” or “Group of Similar Goods or Services.”To improve the detection rate of graphical similarities, especially for trademarks combining text and graphics, users are advised to clearly mark the graphical area of the trademark before conducting a search. Additionally, users can combine the current graphical path search method to ensure the comprehensive retrieval of potential trademarks that may constitute graphical similarities.
51Draft Amendments to the Trademark Act Will Come Into Effect on May 1, 2024
In response to industry and trademark examination practice in Taiwan, as well as to ensure a comprehensive regulatory environment and make relevant adjustments where necessary, draft amendments to the Trademark Act were promulgated in May 24, 2023 and are set to take effect on May 1, 2024. Amendment highlights include:1. Established a mechanism for the registration and management of trademark agents.2. Introduced mechanism for accelerated examination.3. Clearly defines eligibility for trademark applicants.4. Clarify the scope of rights for a trademark while part of its reproduction with functional aspects.5. Clarify nominative fair use, prior good-faith use, and exhaustion of rights that are not bound by trademark rights, in accordance with the application of judicial practices.6. Loosen the requirement for trademark proprietors to identify infringement at Customs.
52TIPO Encourages Businesses to Utilize iPKM for Greater Innovation & R&D
TIPO released the Industrial Patent Knowledge Platform (“iPKM”) in 2017 to help SMEs in Taiwan develop capacities for R&D and innovation. The site offers a variety of information and smart services, including News, Columns, Patent Trends and Stats, Patent Regimes in Other Countries, Videos, and Recommended Patents, etc.In particular, iPKM News is further categorized into subtopics like Intellectual Property News, Events, and Economic & Trade Info, etc. Users can access the latest government information on intellectual property by browsing, subscribing, and searching through iPKM.iPKM also offers Industry Patent Trends and Recommended Patents, which provides analysis on tech trends and literature on patents to help businesses keep abreast of the latest patent developments across the world.Since 2018, TIPO has also been promoting the iPKM platform and its use to SMEs in select key industries, helping companies develop a basic understanding of intellectual property and become more familiar with operating and using the platform. As of 2023, a total of 162 businesses have benefitted from these services.Additionally, TIPO collaborated with the NTU Innovation and Incubation Center and the NTUST Business Incubation Center in 2023 to provide 221 IP consultations to startups. An overview of the benefits that iPKM has provided to businesses that use the platform has been published on TIPO's official website for public reference.TIPO encourages the public to make use of iPKM and shall continue to provide industry assistance and promote effective use of government platforms and tools. The hope is to bolster patent strategies and technological applications for greater innovation and R&D.
53TIPO’s Q4 2023 IPR Statistics Report
In Q4 2023, TIPO received a total of 19,686 patent applications, an increase of 3% compared to the same period last year. Among them, invention patents increased 4% to 13,928. Trademark applications grew 2% to 23,250. As for invention patents, TSMC filed 342 applications, ranking first among residents, while Samsung Electronics (262) led all non-resident applicants for the second year in a row. The top resident and non-resident trademark applicants were Uni-President (235) and International Foodstuffs (81) from the UAE. The number of trademark applications filed by the top 10 resident and non-resident applicants all saw positive growth.Patent ApplicationsIn Q4 2023, TIPO received an overall of 19,686 patent applications. Among them, invention patents (13,928) and design patents (1,921) increased by 4% and 3% respectively, while utility model patents (3,837) decreased by 2%. The number of invention patents filed by residents grew by 3%, and those filed by non-residents across all three patents witnessed growth ranging from 5% to 45% (Table 1).Among the top ten resident applicants of invention patents, TSMC showed significant growth (+264%) by leading with 342 applications, followed by ITRI (210) and AU Optronics (128). However, MediaTek (82) ranked seventh, experiencing a decrease (-44%) due to a higher base period in the same period last year (Figure 2).Among the top five resident applicants for design patents, Acer (22) maintained its top position for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Chang Gung University of Science and Technology (16). Hon Hai (12) entered the top five for the first time since 2020 (Figure 3).Resident applicants filed a total of 5,409 invention patent applications, with enterprises accounting for 4,083 applications (5% increase). However, both colleges and universities (489) and research institutions (384) saw negative growth. Further breakdown by size showed that applications from large enterprises (3,342) and SMEs (741) grew by 6% and 1% respectively.Non-resident applicants filed 8,519 invention patent applications, marking a 5% increase. Among the top five countries (regions), Japan topped with 3,188 applications. Considered alongside Mainland China (1,144) and R. Korea (964), all three showed growth ranging from 8% to 16% (Figure 1).Among the top ten non-resident applicants for invention patents, Samsung Electronics from R. Korea outnumbered all others with 262 applications for the second year in a row. ASML (117) from the Netherlands, Screen Holdings (89) from Japan, LG Display (86) from R. Korea, and Resonac (84) from Japan each set new records for their respective companies. Additionally, Coupang (127) from R. Korea surpassed all others with a remarkable growth of 154% ((Figure 2).Among the top five non-resident applicants for design patents, all exhibited positive growth in the number of applications. Apple from the US not only surpassed other applicants in the number of applications (122) but also achieved a sharp growth rate (+259%). It is particularly noteworthy that Apple’s number of applications has exceeded 100 for the first time since 2013. Moreover, BMW (42) from Germany saw a remarkable increase of 200% as well (Figure 3).Trademark Applications23,250 trademark registrations were filed in 2023 across 29,004 classes, marking a 2% increase. Growth was mainly driven by a 9% growth among non-resident applicants (5,249). On the other hand, those from residents (18,001) saw a slight decrease of 0.5% (Table 1).The number of trademark applications from the top ten residents all showed positive growth, with Uni-President leading with 235 applications. Companies such as CHE TAI (73) and SULINE (55) showed sharp growth due to their lower base periods (Table 2). A breakdown by NICE classification shows that the highest number of residents (3,531) filed under class 35 (advertising, business management, retail and wholesale services, etc.) (Figure 4).Non-resident trademark applications were predominantly from Mainland China (1,185)(Figure 1). The number of applications from the top ten non-residents all showed positive growth as well. Of these, International Foodstuffs from the UAE) topped with 81 applications (Table 3). A breakdown by NICE classsification shows that non-resident applicants filed the most applications (1,025) in Class 9 (Computer and technology products, etc.)(Figure 5).Among industries, most trademark applications were filed under “Agriculture” (6,251), followed by “Business Services” (4,722), and “Health” (4,601) (Figure 6).Resident applicants showed a preference for "Agriculture" (5,218), mainly due to the larger number of trademarks applications in the restaurant and accommodation sectors. On the other hand, non-resident applicants have the most applications in "Research and technology" (1,590). Moreover, trademark applications filed under "Agriculture" by residents, as well as “Health” and “Clothing and accessories” by non-residents, experienced a shift from negative to positive growth.
542024 Taiwan-Japan Intellectual Property Symposium Concludes to Widespread Participation and Support
The 2024 Taiwan-Japan Intellectual Property Symposium, a collaborative effort of the organizers Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, in partnership with Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO), opened on February 2, 2024 (Friday) at the NTU College of Law Tsai Lecture Hall. Remarks were delivered by distinguished guests including Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Deputy Secretary-General Ching-Hung Lin, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Dr. Takashi Hattori, Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) Director-General Dr. Cheng-Wei Liao. And also, Japan Patent Office (JPO) Director-General of Policy Planning and Coordination Department, Mr. Mikiharu Shimizu made some closing remarks which summarized the main points of the symposium.Speakers invited to the symposium included Director Masashi Omine from JPO Design Registration System Planning Office, Chief Judge Huei-Ju Tsai from the IP and Commercial Court, Senior Patent Examiner Ming-Feng Hsu from TIPO Patent Administration & Planning Division, and IP Lawyer Kaoru Kuroda from Abe, Ikubo & Katayama. Topics covered the protection of digital designs under the Japanese Design Act, the relationship between the metaverse and design patents, case studies of the utilization of design patent rights in Japan, and judicial practices of design patents in Taiwan.First, Director Masashi Omine gave an introduction to Japan’s Design Act, recent trends in design applications related to images, buildings, and interior decorations, as well as key revisions in the practical application and Examination Guidelines for Designs Including a Graphic Image. Senior Patent Examiner Ming-Feng Hsu then discussed international case studies related to the metaverse and practical protection of cross-disciplinary design applications, i.e. design patent infringement case against the Detroit Red Wings, and the invalidation of Candy Crush virtual candies in the EU.In addition, IP Lawyer Kaoru Kuroda from Japan shared examples of the utilization of design patent rights in Japan, highlighting the criteria for determining design patent infringement. Finally, Chief Judge Huei-Ju Tsai from the IP and Commercial Court used specific judicial cases in Taiwan to explain the process of design evaluation in the courts, including the overall observation, comparison of "common features" and "differential features," methods for ordinary consumers to determine whether they are similar, and key points to consider in visual effect judgments.The 2024 symposium garnered over 140 participants from the industry, government, and academia, who engaged in extensive exchange with experts from both Taiwan and Japan. By providing detailed information on regulations and relevant practices, TIPO hopes to facilitate better public understanding for the design patent regime and judicial practices of Taiwan and Japan. TIPO also hopes that it will serve as a reference for Taiwanese companies when applying for design patents and setting up patent portfolios in Japan.
55Interview Series on Outstanding Female Leaders in the Field of IP in Taiwan is Now Featured on the TIPO Website!
In the modern era of the knowledge economy, IP such as patents and copyrights, which highlight innovation and creativity, have become crucial assets for both individuals and businesses. The widespread gender disparity we see worldwide is especially stark in the field of IP. Regardless, both men and women contribute significantly to the field of IP.For insights into the career development of female IP professionals in Taiwan, TIPO produced a series of interviews entitled “Outstanding Female Leaders in the Field of IP in Taiwan.” The series is honored nine outstanding women, including Economic Minister Mei-Hua Wang, Chief Judge Huei-Ju (Grace) Tsai from the IP and Commercial Court, Professor Su-Hua Lee from the NTU College of LAW, Attorney Grace Shao from Baker & McKenzie, and Attorney Joyce I. Ho from Tsar & Tsai Law Firm.Three outstanding women from TIPO were also interviewed: Deputy Director General Yuh-Ying Chang, Chief of the Trademark Division Hu Ping-Lun, Deputy Chief of Patent Examination Division II Li Dong-Shiow, and Deputy Chief of Patent Dispute Examination Division Chao Ching-Ling.This series of interviews with outstanding female leaders in the field of IP demonstrates that as long as women are brave enough to rise to the challenge, they can excel even in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as science, engineering, and technical fields. Through interdisciplinary learning and practical experience in areas like technology, law, and management, women can leverage their unique attributes to forge successful careers and make a path for themselves.The Outstanding Female Leaders in the Field of IP in Taiwan interview series is now featured on TIPO’s official website (in the gender equality section). Through this series of interviews, we hope to inspire women to breakthrough gender barriers and chase their dreams, as well as to encourage more women to begin a career in IP.
56TIPO’s AI Chatbot “Tipo” Goes Live on Dec. 5!
TIPO is proud to introduce “Tipo,” our new AI chatbot, which went live on December 5. Tipo provides 24/7, real-time patent consultation services to meet the needs of creators, who need quick and immediate answers.Since establishing the online service center in August 2011, TIPO has been offering consultations to the public for electronic applications, online payments, and patent application procedures. TIPO fields almost 40,000 calls annually, demonstrating its unwavering commitment and service.As such, TIPO has amassed years of customer service experience and an extensive FAQ database for patent inquiries. On the basis of this foundation, TIPO introduced the AI customer service chatbot Tipo to provide rapid responses to common patent questions, allowing applicants access to answers anywhere and anytime.
57TIPO Releases “Report on Key Technologies and Patent Analysis for Waste Management in the Global Semiconductor Industry” for Public Reference
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is currently one of the hottest topics in the semiconductor industry, closely related to the concept of the circular economy. In the traditional linear economy, resources are obtained, transformed into products, used, and eventually discarded as waste. Managing and recycling waste or reducing resource waste in the manufacturing process is crucial for the semiconductor industry's circular economy (or ESG). For instance, purifying waste resources into semiconductor-grade chemicals and reintegrating them into the manufacturing process to achieve sustainable goals through green practices.The report focuses on copper recovery, silicon slurry recovery, and hydrogen recovery within waste management in the semiconductor industry. Data is compiled and organized, and relevant patent trends are included within the report. Key technologies have also been selected for in-depth analysis. The aim is to provide insights and inspiration for the development of green circular economy practices in the domestic semiconductor industry.
58TIPO Welcomes Experts from the German Patent Office (DPMA) to Taiwan
In November, TIPO welcomed experts from DPMA to visit Taiwan and conduct bilateral exchanges on intellectual property.Various topics were discussed, including the legislative framework and practices of the German utility model system. Unlike the German system, which originally aimed to protect creations with lower technical content and tangible shapes, the utility model patent system in Taiwan is widely used to protect inventors' patents.During the visit, three experts from DPMA, including Dr. Volker Rüger, Head of Central Unit - International Affairs, Mr. Jörg-Eckhard Dördelmann, Head of the Legal Division and Chief of the Utility Model Revocation Procedure Unit, and Ms. Antje Wielage, Head of the Utility Model Division and Chair of Cancelation Proceedings, delivered presentations on topics such as the German utility model system, practices, and case law, DPMA's measures in response to the EU’s Unitary Patent System that officially launched on June 1, 2023, and patent data retrieval.Experts from both sides discussed and exchanged views eagerly, contributing valuable insights for Taiwan's ongoing efforts to optimize its patent system.Furthermore, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral intellectual property exchanges between Taiwan and Germany, TIPO arranged a visit to Taiwan's ITRI Technology Transfer and Law Center. During the visit, DPMA experts were introduced to IP programs and services provided by ITRI to assist domestic SMEs, offering insights for the DPMA to strengthen IP support for German SMEs.
59US and Taiwan Signs MOU on the Secure Exchange of Patent Data
On November 22, 2023, Taiwan and the US signed the MOU on the Secure Exchange of Patent Data, streamlining and reducing the cost of patent priority claims for Taiwanese applicants who annually file over 20,000 patent applications in the United States.The annual number of patent applications filed by Taiwanese applicants in the United States has consistently been around 20,000 in recent years. The numbers rose a significant 6% from 2021 to 2022. The MOU aims to alleviate this burden by facilitating the secure exchange of priority documents between the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).The collaboration between Taiwan and the United States on the electronic exchange of priority documents began in 2016 through TIPO and USPTO’s bilateral discussions. Given the importance of information security, both confirmed details related to information equipment and transmission meticulously.After continuous efforts from both sides, the MOU was finally signed this year. This milestone in the deepening of our relations with the US follows the implementation of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) project in 2011, and the signing of the MOU on Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Cooperation in 2017.To create an environment conducive to international patent applicants, TIPO has launched electronic priority document exchange (PDX) program with Japan and South Korea in 2013 and 2016 respectively. Furthermore, the PDX programs were expanded to design patents with Japan and South Korea in 2019 and 2021 respectively. The recent expansion in PDX collaboration with the US shall greatly increase the convenience of Taiwanese applicants filing patent applications in the US, as well as for US applicants filing in Taiwan – a mutually beneficial arrangement.The MOU was signed by the Deputy Representative Johnson S. Chiang of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) and AIT/W Managing Director Ingrid D. Larson.Following the signing, TIPO and USPTO will conduct verification tests on information systems. Upon the completion of information security equipment testing by both offices, the implementation start date will be publicly announced.
60TIPO’s Q3 2023 IPR Statistics Report
In Q3 2023, TIPO received a total of 18,310 patent applications (including invention, utility model, and design patents), marking a 1% increase over the same period last year. Of these, the number of invention patent applications (12,670) also grew by 1%. Trademark applications stood at 23,632 cases, with a drop of 7%. For invention patents, TSMC (443 applications) has topped the list for eight straight years among resident applicants, while Samsung Electronics (285 cases) leapt to the top of the list of all non-resident applicants. For trademarks, Taishin (264 applications) and Tencent (38 applications) ranked first among resident and non-resident applicants, respectively.Patent ApplicationsTIPO received 18,310 patent applications, most of which were invention patents (12,670) marking a slight increase of 1%, compared to the same period (Q3) last year. The number of applications for both utility model (3,782) and design (1,858) remained relatively unchanged. In addition, resident applications for invention patents went up by 1% and non-resident applications for overall patents grew by 1% to 14% (Table 1).Most of the top 10 resident applicants for invention patents saw double-digit growth. TSMC filed 443 applications, outnumbering other resident applicants for eight consecutive years. Delta (67 applications) saw the highest growth rate with 103%, and Nuvoton (62 applications) hit a new record high (Figure 2).In terms of resident applicants for design patents, CGUST (33 applications), the only university in the top 5 applicant list, claimed the top spot for the first time, setting its all-time-high record and seeing the highest growth rate with 313%. Delta (14 applications) rose rapidly by 100%, and Hi-Joint Tech (10 applications) entered the top 5 list, claiming fifth place (Figure 3).Residents filed 4,830 invention patent applications (Table 1). Of these, the number of applications filed by domestic enterprises (3,912) and state-owned enterprises (21) grew by 6% and 91% respectively, while that of colleges and universities (375) and research institutions (105) fell. Further breakdown by firm size shows that applications from large enterprises (3,242) went up by 7%, whereas those from SMEs (670) dipped.The number of invention patent applications filed by foreign applicants (7,840) increased by 1% (Table 1). Of these, Japan filed the most with 3,100 applications, and R. Korea saw the highest growth of 28% (Figure 1). Among the top 10 applicants, Samsung Electronics (KR) leapt the top spot with 285 applications. Others include Coupang (KR) (168 applications), Tokyo Electron (JP) (168 applications), Resonac (JP) (67 applications), and Shin-Etsu Chem (JP) (65 applications), all of which reached their respective all-time-high records. In addition, applications from Coupang soared by 291%, the highest growth rate among all non-resident applicants (Figure 2).As for non-resident applicants of design patent filings, the number of applications filed by all the top 5 applicants showed positive growth. Of these, BMW (DE) came out on top with 63 applications (Figure 3).Trademark ApplicationsCompared to the same period last year, trademark applications reached 23,632 (covering 29,478 classes), going down by 7%. The number of applications filed by residents (18,790) and non-residents (4,842) both declined (Table 1).Most of the top 10 resident applicants saw positive growth. Taishin filed 264 applications, outnumbering all other applicants (Table 2). A breakdown by Nice classification shows that most applications (3,772) were filed under Class 35, “Advertising, Business Management, Retail and Wholesale Services, etc.” (Figure 4).Mainland China filed the most non-resident applications (1,246)(Figure 1). Most of the top 10 non-resident applicants also experienced positive growth. Of these, Tencent (KY) topped the list with 38 applications (Table 3). A breakdown by Nice classification shows non-resident applicants filed the most applications (983) in Class 9, “Computer and Technology Products, etc.” (Figure 5).The top 3 industry categories for trademark applications were “Agriculture” (6,303 applications), ”Business Services” (4,840 applications), and “Health” (4,745 applications)(Figure 6). Most residents filed applications under “Agriculture” (5,372), the majority of which were for the restaurant and accommodation industries. On the other hand, most non-resident applications were filed under “Research and technology” (1,609).
Sitemap
FAQs
Feedback
Bilingual Glossary