Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks

As of 1 February 2020, the Common Regulations (Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks) are renamed the Regulations under the Protocol (Regulations under the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks). As a result, there are consequential amendments to the Administrative Instructions and to the Schedule of Fees, including the simplified renewal of international registrations (Rule 30 of the Regulations under the Protocol).

Full details of the amendments to the Regulations are available HERE.


Digital Access Service (DAS) Expands for Hague System Applicants

The WIPO Digital Access Service is an electronic system allowing priority documents and similar documents to be securely exchanged between participating IP offices.

The International Bureau of WIPO, in its role as depositing Office, accepts requests from applicants to register certified copies of Hague international applications as priority documents in DAS with effect from 15 January 2020, whereas the Japan Patent Office acts as a depositing and accessing Office in respect of industrial design applications as of 1 January 2020.