News
1Analysis of trademark applications and the trend in business development in the past decade
In recent years, TIPO has been publishing patent application analysis reports of domestic and foreign businesses’ patent portfolios and the trend in their development. These reports have received great attention from various sectors.This year, with reference to the “World Intellectual Property Indicators 2019 (WIPI 2019)” published by WIPO IP Statistics Data Center, TIPO uses similar method to group Nice classes assigned to designated goods or services of trademark applications into ten industry sectors (see attached chart), and publishes the report “Analysis of the trend in trademark applications from 2010 to 2019 by industry sector.” It is the result of collecting and organizing more than 770,000 trademark applications over the ten-year span, and the complicated data is converted into easily-understood graphs and charts by employing data visualization and data-driven strategy.At the same time, the report compares the latest WIPI 2019 Report with the data of Taiwan’s residents’ applications to reveal the similarities and differences between Taiwan’s industry sectors and those of other countries. As such, the report serves as a reference for businesses to build portfolios, develop brands, and stay current with market trends.This report focuses on the trend in the development of different industry sectors. Main points are summarized as follows (see attached chart):I. Trademark applications in the “agriculture” sector over the past decade take the lead, accounting for 19.2%~21.6% of all applications. “Agriculture” corresponds to Classes 29~33 and 43 in the Nice Classification. Namely, they include food, beverages, catering, accommodation and other goods and services that are most relevant to the daily lives of general public. As near 70% of the trademark applications are filed by residents, among which Class 43 is the second highest sector, it shows residents’ passion for brand innovation and entrepreneurship in the catering business.II. “Business services” is the second largest industry sector in residents’ trademark applications over the past decade. It corresponds to Class 35 in the Nice Classification which covers commercial services such as wholesale and retail, advertising and marketing, and import/export agents, as well as financial services in Class 36. Class 35 also tops all of the sectors in residents’ applications and this is indicative of Taiwan’s burgeoning commercial activities such as the retail business, and ongoing intensive development of business services in recent years.On the third place is “health” industry sector, which corresponds to Class 3 and Class 5, namely cosmetics, cleansing products, as well as pharmaceuticals and medical products. This also reflects the fact that residents are placing great emphasis on physical wellbeing and beauty care, which in turn is driving relevant businesses to apply for trademark registration for their brands.III. Trademark applications by non-residents over the past decade are dominated by the “research and technology” sector. Applications filed in this sector take up 16.8%~19.3% of all types of applications with a modest increase in growth. “Research and technology” sector covers Classes 9, 38, 42, and 45, namely computers, communications, and consumer electronics equipment, communications transmission, scientific and technological R&D, as well as legal services.Over the past decade, Japan, the US, and mainland China have become the top three foreign applicants of trademark, whose applications take up more than half of all applications by non-residents. This shows not only the ongoing competition among these countries in technological R&D but also points to their proactive efforts to seek trademark protection for their patented technologies under the territoriality principle. Taiwan is the hub for the world’s high-tech industries such as electronics, information, and telecommunications. It is also an integral part of many countries’ global brand portfolios.IV. “Health” and “agriculture” are the second and third highest industry sectors of non-residents’ trademark applications in the past decade. The same sectors also occupy the third and the first places in residents’ applications. The high domestic demands for these products and services are driving foreign applicants to pivot their emphasis and invest in Taiwan.V. Trademark filing activity is a relatively less discussed benchmark. To compare trademark filing intensity across countries, WIPI measures resident application class counts in relation to GDP (per USD 100 billion GDP) and population level (per million population). The data may show both the size of the economies and the level of economic development of different countries, while it may also reflect how the costs of trademark application could have some adverse influence on demand for application.Take the 2018 data for instance, trademark applications filed domestically in China unsurprisingly skyrocketed, catapulting the country’s average application class count per USD 100 billion GDP and application class count per million population to the top spot.In comparison with the average class count per GDP, Taiwan is on par with that of South Korea. As to average class count per million population, Taiwan is growing steadily and equivalent to that of the Netherlands. Both Taiwan’s average class count per GDP and that of per million population are higher than the world’s average.VI. Below is a comparison between Taiwan’s statistics and those of other countries in the WIPI 2019 (data gleaned from year 2018) report.In 17th place globally, application class counts stood at around 109,000 classes.In 15th place globally, registration class counts stood at around 93,000 classes.In non-residents’ applications filed in Taiwan, the rations of goods and services to all are close to those of WIPO’s statistics (TIPO: goods 71.2%, services 28.8%; WIPO: goods 68.9%, services 31.1%).In non-residents’ applications filed in Taiwan, the top four industry sectors are, in descending order, “research and technology,” “health,” “agriculture,” and “clothing and accessories.” These are the same top four industry sectors in WIPI 2019 report, albeit in different order. This reflects that with the waves of globalization continuing to surge, countries around the world are developing businesses that are increasingly similar in kind. As with the trend that big businesses will always sustain their dominance, multinational corporations are investing heavily in developing their global marketing portfolios. Under such circumstances, SMEs more than ever must rely on their creative energies to facilitate any business breakthroughs.Over the past few months, the world’s economic and trading activities have suffered drastic changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, the economic outlook is still brimming with uncertainties. Nevertheless, Taiwan has rarely experienced any deficiency in economic vitality and people enthusiastic about starting businesses.As restaurants, hotels, and tourism industries are regaining momentum in the domestic market during the post-Covid-19 time, we can expect a continuous growth in applications in the “agriculture” sector. In addition, the success fight with the pandemic is also the result of our ongoing efforts in the promotion of medical care and biotech industries. Large amount of investment, accompanied with solid foundation of upstream and downstream manufacturing businesses, has made Taiwan the key provider of medical supplies in regional or even global markets, which could therefore bring a huge opportunity for business development in the “health” sector.As well as continuing the effort in the name of “Taiwan’s national team,” relevant businesses are expected to be prepared in advance, be more flexible to their coping strategies, and speed up the pace of creating their own brands.
2TIPO-KIPO Permanent PPH MOTTAINAI Program Comes Into Effect on July 1, 2020
The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program between Taiwan and Korea will expire on June 30, 2020. In view of its impressive results in acceleration of examination, both sides have agreed that a permanent PPH program will replace the current one, starting July 1, 2020. The permanent program is aimed at continuing to provide applicants with stable and convenient PPH services.Taiwan and Korea have been close economic and trading partners. For long years, Korea has made the top four countries in invention patent applications filed in Taiwan. Last year (2019), TIPO received a total of 1,656 invention patent applications from Korean applicants. On the other hand, KIPO received 1,102 invention patent applications from Taiwanese applicants. To speed up examination so that applicants could acquire their patents quickly, TIPO and KIPO have conducted the PPH pilot program since July 1, 2015.The request forms and detailed information on the procedures of the permanent PPH MOTTAINAI are available at TIPO’s website and KIPO’s website.
3Relief for the delay of statutory or specified time period of patent and trademark cases due to the Covid-19 pandemic
TIPO announced the relief for the delay of statutory or specified time period due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Statutory time periodAccording to Article 17.2 of the Patent Act and Article 12 of the Enforcement Rules of the Patent Act, or Article 8.2 of the Trademark Act and Article 9 of the Enforcement Rules of the Trademark Act, an applicant filing a written request for reinstatement should state the delay of statutory time period is due to the Covid-19 pandemic and provide evidence thereof. While requesting for reinstatement, the applicant shall concurrently fulfil all obligations that should have been fulfilled within the concerned time period. In principle, such cases will be determined leniently on a case-by-case basis.If the applicant who has appointed an agent fails to comply with the statutory time period due to the inconvenience of getting in contact with each other caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, he or she may file a written request for reinstatement accompanied by evidence thereof. In principle, such cases will be determined leniently on a case-by-case basis.Specified time periodThe applicant who fails to comply with the specified time period due to the Covid-19 pandemic may still fulfill the requirements before a decision is rendered by TIPO. Considering the impact of the pandemic, the applicant who finds it necessary to extend the original specified time period could submit a written statement accompanied by evidence thereof. TIPO will follow the examination guidelines and have the cases determined leniently on a case-by-case basis.The applicant who is still unable to fulfil the requirements during the aforementioned extension of specified time period could submit a statement to TIPO with evidence thereof. In principle, TIPO will approve another one-month extension if it deems it appropriate. However, if the evidence in the case shows that an extension of more than one month is needed, TIPO will then approve an appropriate period of time of longer than one month.
4The 2020 National Invention and Creation Award now opens registration until June 30
The 2020 National Invention and Creation Award will select from the technologies that have been patented in Taiwan over the past six years (January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2019) and present trophies and cash prizes to inventors of the selected technologies for their extraordinary contribution.According to past winners, the National Invention and Creation Award adds values to their patented creations and helps in terms of promoting and increasing sales of theirproducts. Local inventors are welcome to register for competition.The cut-off date of the registration is June 30. Inventors interested in the award should send the specified documents of their inventions via registered mail or submit in person at their earliest convenience to this address: 11F., No. 149, Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan.For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:The National Invention and Creation Award
5TIPO publishes the “Program for Hearing Patent Invalidation Cases” in English
TIPO has recently published the “Program for Hearing Patent Invalidation Cases” in English as part of its continuous efforts to improve services to foreign applicants. The English version is now available on the TIPO’s website.English version
6The Seminar on IPR Concerning Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples and the Cultural and Creative Industry—a Well-Attended Event with Lively Interactions
On May 29, TIPO and the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute co-hosted the “Seminar on IPR Concerning Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples and the Cultural and Creative Industry” in order to promote the awareness of IPR protection concerning indigenous people’s traditional intellectual creations and the cultural and creative industry.The lecturers selected by TIPO and the Council of Indigenous Peoples addressed issues concerning IPR and protection of traditional knowledge that may be faced by the cultural and creative industry. The topics of their lectures included protection of design patents and cultural and creative products, an overview of the cases relating to trademark applications and indigenous peoples’ cultural creations, must-know copyright concepts by cultural and creative industry operators, and practices of licensing exclusive right of using indigenous people’s traditional intellectual creations. There were lively exchanges of opinions among participants.
7TIPO’s old official website stops service as of May 25, 2020 and the general public are advised to visit TIPO’s new website for IPR-related searches
Between October 2019 and March 2020, TIPO had consecutively launched the new subsidiary websites featuring three primary subjects, namely patent, trademark, and copyright. The old websites were no longer in service as of May 25, 2020.For more information, please visit:TIPO’s new official websiteTIPO’s new patent websiteTIPO’s new trademark websiteTIPO’s new copyright website
8TIPO offers six services to fight against COVID-19
As a response to the continued spread of COVID-19 around the world, TIPO offers the following six services, “patent analysis for the ‘national mask team,’” “making the information of global pandemic prevention relevant patents accessible,” “potential COVID-19 drugs related Taiwan patent information,” “ pandemic prevention related trademark hotline,” “reinstatement if applicants fail to comply within a statutory time period,” and “smart home consultations plus online applications,” to facilitate the diffusion of technologies, help industry focus on R&D, and instill new energy into the fight against the disease.To fight against COVID-19, the world is in the competition for making test kits, medicine, and vaccines. Following this R&D trend closely, TIPO provides the needed information and services to industry:Patent analysis for the “national mask team”As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has gathered up domestic mask companies to form a “national mask team” to boost mask production capacity. More than 20 countries have been drawn to purchase mask-related facilities in Taiwan so far. While our “national mask team” sets out to help the world, TIPO releases patent information relating to mask-producing facilities and technologies around the world, so that our nationals will not commit patent infringement when they enter the global market. TIPO is ready to help, if any patent analysis is needed.Making the information of global –pandemic prevention relevant patents accessibleA pandemic prevention section has just been established in TIPO’s Global Patent Search System(GPSS). The items are divided into 14 groups, such as masks, protective clothing, test kits, vaccines, and medicine. With just one lick, users can find the information of patents relating to epidemic prevention in the world. Also, members of the GPSS will receive notes on the latest patent cases in chosen technical fields. They may enjoy a range of added-value services such as statistical and chart-based analyses. TIPO aims to help industry quickly learn the key information of pandemic prevention technologies globally.Potential COVID-19 drugs related Taiwan patent informationSince vaccines against COVID-19 are not yet available, medical experts home and abroad are urgently looking for effective solutions. In the short term, “Old drugs, new uses” is thus considered the most convenient and safest option.Starting in March, TIPO has released drug approval status and patent information of 52 potential medications in the limelight around the globe for combating COVID-19. Such include remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, and ivermectin (for parasite control). The medications are divided into three categories according to their patenting conditions: 1. the core patent of its main active ingredient is under protection in Taiwan; 2. the core patent of its main active ingredient is not under protection in Taiwan, but other non-core patents are; 3. the medication is not protected in Taiwan at all.Through the aforementioned information, TIPO hopes to assist medical and pharmaceutical companies in learning more about relevant patents, and thus able to quickly develop business strategies, such as seeking a licensing agreement with the patent holder, designing around the original patent, or just leaving any possibility of patent infringement behind. For the welfare of the people in Taiwan, we hope to see a timely development of drugs against COVID-19, and that the drugs can become available soon.Pandemic Prevention related trademark hotlineHypochlorous acid, hand sanitizer, pressure-free mask covers, and protective clothing are all popular products during the COVID-19 outbreak. To meet applicants’ needs, TIPO has sorted out a categorized list of the “names of pandemic prevention products and services. An online application with all of the designated goods or services indentical to those terms on the said list or recommended in TIPO’s e-filing system will get an NT$300 fee reduction. Consultation hotlines are also available now – TIPO will help applicants conduct trademark search, and suggest them whether their applications may be successful or not. This shall help companies to quickly apply for trademark registration while lowering marketing risks. The service is available from now until May 31, and may be extended depending on the circumstances of the outbreak.Reinstatement if applicants fail to comply within a statutory time periodIf patent or trademark applicants fail to comply within a statutory time period for application and other procedures, such as paying certificate fees or patent annuity, and requesting substantive examination or re-examination due to COVID-19, the applicants may ask TIPO for reinstatement upon presenting documents as evidence. In principle, such cases will be determined leniently.Smart home consultations plus online applicationsTIPO still provides patent and trademark consultation services during the outbreak. Without having to go out, with just one phone call, people can enjoy consultation services by professional volunteers. Applicants also may file patent and trademark applications online. Patent applications can get an NT$600 fee reduction and trademarks at NT$300!The details of the six measures have been released at the “IPR News related to COVID-19” section. By providing patent information, offering professional consultation services, and accepting reinstatement applications, TIPO hopes to ensure people’s rights and interests, facilitate the spread of innovative technologies, and help R&D specialists find solutions for Covid-19.
9Registration for Invention Contest of Taiwan Innotech Expo starts now
The 2020 Taiwan Innotech Expo will take place from September 26 to 28 at Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center. A total of 500 global institutions from 25 countries will display 1,200 patents and inventions. The expo is Taiwan’s most iconic R&D platform, and it draws more than 45,000 visitors every year. The 2020 expo is likely to be filled with people again. All members of the society are encouraged to take part.The expo is mainly divided into two parts, Invention Contest and Three Major Themed Topics. For the contest, outstanding inventors, professionals, and scholars in the world are invited to show their new works. Every year, TIPO receives more than 600 entries on average. By holding the contest, TIPO aims to encourage the most innovative inventions with the best market potential with awards. Registration for this year’s contest will remain open until June 30. Interested members of the industry, academia, and R&D are especially welcome to compete for the Platinum Medal and to make their works more attractive in the business world. There is also a hall that shows the inventions of the past three years by Taiwanese nationals, which have been awarded at competitions worldwide. The hall manifests the rich energy for innovations of the people in Taiwan.Three Major Themed Topics was curated by seven ministries and councils together - Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Labor, Council of Agriculture, and National Development Council, focusing on technologies of the future, innovative inventions, and sustainable development. Bringing together the innovative technologies that the seven ministries and councils have helped to develop, the area manifests Taiwan’s scientific R&D achievements. According to each topic, an international technology exchange display is set, showing the globe’s recent highlights. The goal is to build cooperation channels and for industry, academia and R&D institutions home and abroad, whilst creating more opportunities.More information (in Mandarin)
10Seminar on IPR Concerning Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples and the Cultural and Creative Industry
To promote intellectual property protection for traditional intellectual creations of indigenous peoples in the cultural and creative industry, and to boost innovative energy and add values to the local sectors, TIPO will hold the Seminar on IPR Concerning Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples and the Cultural and Creative Industry on May 29, 2020 at National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, with the institute’s support.The seminar discusses IPR topics relating to traditional intellectual creations of indigenous peoples in the cultural and creative industry, from four aspects including design patent, trademark, copyright, and traditional intellectual creations of indigenous peoples. Cultural and creative workers, designers, and IPR professionals are especially encouraged to take part.For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:Agenda for the Seminar on IPR Concerning Traditional Intellectual Creations of Indigenous Peoples and the Cultural and Creative Industry
11Establishing patent foundation– TIPO carries out an exchange and cooperation program with College of Design, National Taiwan University of Technology
To facilitate exchange between the academia and TIPO regarding theory and patent practices in the field of design, and strengthen IPR protection in Taiwan, this year, for the first time, TIPO carries out a one-year program with College of Design, National Taiwan University of Technology, sending patent examiners to the campus to discuss patent matters with teachers and students. Through the program, patent examiners will exchange views with industry experts, professors and students in class, learn about upcoming design trends together, and provide IPR consultation services.Through such experimental interaction and co-learning, TIPO looks forward to mapping out policies of design protection for the next generation. TIPO also hopes to cultivate interdisciplinary designers and increase competitiveness for them.
12Encouraging industrial cluster and developing supply chains, TIPO offers IP courses and consultation services to the electric motorcycle industry
To save energy and lower carbon emissions, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has devoted to promoting the electric motorcycle industry in Taiwan. In 2014 and 2018 respectively, MOEA implemented programs to subsidize the consumption of electric motorcycle in the hope of boost domestic market grow as well as developing relevant supply chains.With MOEA’s effort, the supply chains for the electric motorcycle sector in Taiwan is rather complete now, including upstream materials / components (batteries, motors, and the main vehicles), mid-stream components / sets (chairs, lights, and dampers), and down-stream systems (power, battery management, and drives/brakes) and whole vehicles (electric motorcycle). In support of the MOEA, this year (2020), TIPO offers IP (patent, trademark, and trade secrets) consultation services and courses to the electric motorcycle industry, such as how to apply, search, and prepare for examination or even litigation. TIPO hopes to enhance protection for the electric motorcycle sector’s intellectual property, such as innovations and R&D results.
13TIPO’s Q1 2020 IPR Statistics Report
In Q1 2020, TIPO received a total of 16,680 applications for invention, utility model and design patents, registering a 3% decrease over the same period last year. Of these, design patent applications filed by non-residents saw a 2% growth. Applications for trademark registrations (20,310 cases) were up by 4%; of these, the number of trademark applications filed by residents grew by 7%. Among domestic applicants, TSMC filed the most invention patent applications and NITTO DENKO, in terms of foreign applicants, topped the list. In addition, invention patent applications filed by domestic SMEs grew by 9%.PatentOf the applications filed by residents (8,381 cases), both invention and utility model patents saw a 3% decrease (Table 1). Applications by residents slipped 4% mainly because of the decline in invention patents by enterprises and utility model patents by individuals.Of non-residents’ applications (8,299 cases), design patent applications grew slightly by 2%, a growth of six consecutive quarters (Table 1).Invention patent applications filed by domestic enterprises accounted for nearly 76%. Of these, applications by SMEs grew by 9%, marking the eighth quarter of consecutive growth. This shows its increasing importance in Taiwan. As to applicants, TSMC filed the most invention patent applications (129 cases). AU OPTRONICS (114 cases) and REALTEK (111 cases) secured the second and the third place respectively (Figure 2).Invention patent applications filed by domestic colleges increased by 15%. Of these, NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY and NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY, both filing 19 applications, tied for first place.As for non-residents’ applications, Japan topped the list with 3,525 invention patent applications (Figure 1). Among the largest filing companies, NITTO DENKO came on top with 148 cases and outperformed others by an increase of 92% in this period (Figure 2).In terms of design patents, US filed the most applications with 260 cases. Applications filed by the top five filing countries (regions) saw a double digit growth except that applications filed by Japan were down (Figure 1). FORD GLOBAL took the lead with 93 cases, accounting for a growth of 145%.TrademarkApplications for trademark registrations (20,310 cases) were up by 4% from the same period of last year. Applications filed by residents (15,008 cases) increased by 7%, whereas that by non-residents (5,302 cases) decreased slightly. Residents’ applications registered a positive growth for four consecutive quarters (Table 1), and their share rose from 71% in Q1 2018 to 74% in the current quarter.Looking at a breakdown by nationality of non-residents, Japan topped the list with 1,042 applications for trademark registrations. Among the top five filing countries (regions), US, R. Korea, and Hong Kong all saw a positive growth (Figure 1).A breakdown by the Nice class shows that class 35 (advertisements, business operation, etc.) received the most cases (2,729) by residents and class 9 (computer, technology products, etc.) received the most cases (1,091) by non-residents (Figure 3). In terms of growth rate, applications filed by residents and non-residents saw a 41% growth in class 37 (construction services, installation, repair services, etc.) and an 18% growth in class 12 (vehicles), respectively.ROEHL and DAHAN of domestic applicants and TURRITOPSIS of foreign applicants tied the first place with 80 cases (Table 2 and 3).For more statistical details, please visit TIPO's website.
14TIPO-JPO Permanent PPH MOTTAINAI Program Comes Into Effect on May 1, 2020
The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program between Taiwan and Japan will come to an end on April 30, 2020. In view of its excellent performance, both sides agreed that a permanent PPH program will be in place, starting on May 1 this year. The permanent program is aimed at continuing to provide applicants with stable and convenient PPH services.Taiwan and Japan have enjoyed a close economic and trade relationship. For long years, Japan outnumbers other countries in invention patent applications filed in Taiwan. Last year (2019), TIPO received as many as 13,198 invention patent applications from Japanese applicants. On the other hand, JPO received a total of 1,548 invention patent applications from Taiwanese applicants. To speed up examination so that applicants could acquire their patents quickly, since May 1, 2012, TIPO and the JPO have conducted the PPH pilot program. In 2014, the program was modified to PPH MOTTAINAI and extended for three more years in 2017.The request forms and details on the procedures of the permanent PPH MOTTAINAI can be found at TIPO’s website and JPO’s website now.
15The public hearing on the draft amendments to the Copyright Act
To make better uses of copyrighted works and to balance different rights in the digital age, TIPO proposed draft amendments to the Copyright Act and held a public hearing on February 25, 2020 at Tsai Lecture Hall, College of Law, National Taiwan University to draw opinions from the public. More than 200 people attended the event, including representatives of collective management organizations (CMOs), as well as publishing, TV and music professionals.On the day of the event, the participants shared their views in regards to the content of the draft, in particular the difference between public broadcasts and public transmissions, the limitation of e-learning at schools, and criminal liabilities relating to copyright litigation. The participants also expressed their wish to know how to apply the amended regulations in the near future and the influences of such regulations. TIPO not only answered their questions on site, but arranged a Q&A sheet in written form afterwards and released it on March 6 on the office’s website. The draft amendments to the Copyright Act may be adjusted according to more feasible ideas proposed by members of society soon.The draft amendments to the Copyright Act were made to catch up with the latest trends in the digital age. Such amendments are expected to enhance protection of copyright holders, appropriately harmonize social interests as a whole, and boost growth in domestic cultural industry and add values of creativity, thereby increasing Taiwan’s competitiveness.For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:Notes on the public hearing on the draft amendments to the Copyright Act
16New “Fast-Track” trademark examination mechanism to hit the road on May 1 for applicants to secure their rights quickly
To encourage applicants to utilize TIPO’s e-filing application system and to speed up trademark examination, TIPO will enforce a “Fast-Track” mechanism soon. From May 1, 2020 on, the trademark applicants who pay their fees duly and whose documents meet the following requirements at the time of application will find their cases examined two months earlier than others: Only applications for plain trademark are eligible, excluding non-traditional trademark, certification mark, collective membership mark and collective trademark.The names of the designated goods or services are exactly the same as the ones listed in TIPO’s e-filing system.The fees are paid through a designated bank account or an electronic payment sheet in printed form by the counter or via eATM.A power of attorney should be presented if there is an agent or agents in power.The system will determine whether a case is fit for the Fast-Track mechanism. If the case meets all of the aforementioned requirements, it will automatically enter into the mechanism without an additional application form or extra fee.Once all requirements are met, this type of applications will be prioritized for examination. The applicant should expect to know whether his or her trademark can be registered 1.5 months earlier than the current average first action (FA) period. This will help the applicant use his or her trademark to expand business activities and build a portfolio sooner. Nevertheless, the “first-to-file” principle still applies here. That is, the applications which arrive at TIPO first will still be registered first, thus expelling late comers.The qualified trademark applications cases will be noted as “Fast-Track cases” in a detailed form in TIPO’s trademark search system about 1 month after e-filing, and its status will also be shown. Feel free to utilize the service!For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:Fast-Track Q&AAbout the Fast-Track mechanism
17Information about the 2020 Seminar on Patent Laws and onsite Q&As are out
Four sessions of the “2020 Seminar on the Points to Amendments to the Patent Examination Guidelines on Medical-related Inventions and Cases Relating to Emerging Technologies” were held in Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung recently. Despite of COVID-19, attendance rate was an impressive 85% and the occasion was zealously embraced by the audience. The Taipei session was suspended due to the pandemic, but all relevant information and the onsite Q&As are now available at TIPO’s website. Please feel free to download the materials.For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:Information about the 2020 Seminar on Patent Laws and onsite Q&As
18Online celebrations are held for World IP Day on April 26
In 2000, the World Intellectual Property Organization passed the proposal of designation for World IP Day on April 26-the day on which the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970, and have celebrated this special day annually since 2001. Many countries in the world have held various celebrations for this day in ways that are close to daily life, based on its theme of the year. This year's theme is "Innovate for a Green Future.” Innovation and intellectual property right that supports such innovation being the core of a green future, these celebrative events explore how intellectual property right can boost green economies and strengthen the protection of nature, thereby attracting consumers with “green IP” in the globe’s markets.Celebrating the World IP Day with our global counterparts, TIPO has just published a series of feature stories on its Facebook page and held a Q&A contest with small prizes. TIPO hopes that the events will help people to learn the roles of IP in their daily lives. Feel free to check TIPO’s news in April at TIPO's Facebook page.
19Register for the honorable 2020 National Invention and Creation Award now
To promote innovation, encourage people to invent and create, and boost industrial development, TIPO is to hold the National Invention and Creation Award again in 2020 with NT$8.8 million cash awards. By choosing top-quality patents and awarding excellent inventors, TIPO hopes to speed up the commercialization and industrialization of patents, thereby instilling new energy into the country’s economy and helping it to grow.There are two categories for the award: invention and creation. Both categories are open to inventors, creators or designers who have obtained an invention, a utility model patent, or design patent in Taiwan over the past six years. Other than receiving grants, certificates of merit, and trophies, the winners will be invited to display their works at the 2021 Taiwan Innotech Expo free of charge, thus winning more business opportunities!To explain the selection process, TIPO will hold six information events throughout Taiwan, respectively in Hsinchu (May 4), Tainan (May 5), Kaohsiung (May 5), Hualien (May 8), Taichung (May 12), and Taipei (May 15). Please feel free to take part.For more information (in Mandarin), please visit:The award websiteRegister online for the information event
20Professional events for patent attorneys held by TIPO in 2020
To ensure applicants’ rights and to improve the quality of services provided by patent professionals, patent attorney and patent agent should participate in the training related to Patent Attorney expertise every two years during practice; the required minimum number of hours is twelve. This year, TIPO will hold such events including 2020 Seminar on the IP Landscape in New Southbound Countries, Seminars on IP Affairs, and 2020 Seminar on the Global Patent Search System and Its Applications (see attachments). Those interested are welcome to take part. However, please be noted that the schedules for the aforementioned events may be adjusted depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic goes. For the latest updates, keep an eye on TIPO’s website.More information (in Mandarin)
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