TIPO releases IPR statistics for the first half of 2018 - 2018.09.28

In the first half of 2018, TIPO received a total of 35,293 applications for invention, utility model, and design patents, a 1 percent drop from the same period last year. Among them, the number of invention patent applications has been on the rise for six seasons in a row.

For invention patent applications, by nationality of applicants, 8,408 applications were filed by Taiwanese nationals while 14,075 ones filed by foreigners, representing a 4 and 2 percent year-on-year increase, as well as a positive growth for the seventh consecutive season and a turn toward positive growth in the season, respectively. By nationality of applicants of foreign origins, Japan topped the list with 6,378 applications, followed by the US (3,263).

For more information, Please visit:
https://www.tipo.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=681864&ctNode=6687&mp=2

New Guidelines on Inventive Step Examination of Invention Patent in Taiwan - 2018.05.23

By Lewis C. Y. Ho of Lewis & Davis Patent Attorneys Office, Taiwan

Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) announced a new version of Section III “Inventive Step” of Chapter III “”Patentability of Part II “Substantive Examination” of “The Patent Examination Guidelines for Invention Patents”, which is briefly called as “New Examination Guidelines on Inventive Step of Invention Patent” (NEGISIP) hereinafter, and took it effective as of July 1, 2017.

The major issues of the amendment provisions comprises (1) the prerequisites for determination of inventive step, (2) the definition of a person who has general knowledge pertains to in the invention (“person skilled in the art” or “ordinary skilled person”), (3) examination principles for determination of inventive step and so on, (4) examination principles for determination of inventive step, as well as matters concerning examination on inventive step, which are briefly introduced as followings.。(APAA e-Newsletter)...more

TIPO and the EUIPO signed an MOU on bilateral IPR cooperation - marking a new milestone for bilateral cooperation! - 2018.02.13

On January 12, 2018, TIPO and the EUIPO signed an MOU on bilateral IPR cooperation, opening a new chapter in IPR cooperation between TIPO and the EUIPO. Under the framework of this MOU, the two sides will jointly push for cooperation in areas such as integration of information tools, personnel training, expert meetings, and optimal harmonization of practices. The two sides will also exchange views on international IPR issues, as well as on respective legislative changes and practices so as to strengthen IP systems and services.

The EU has long been Taiwan’s key trading partner. These past few years have seen steady numbers of applications filed by Taiwan residents with the EUIPO (604 trademark applications and 677 Community design applications in 2016) and EU residents with TIPO (3,556 trademark applications and 1,149 design patent applications in 2016). In particular, there is a noticeable growth in the number of design patent applications. On the basis of this MOU, the two sides will deepen mutual understanding and cooperation, which in turn will substantially benefit businesses and applicants on both ends. In the future, TIPO will develop a more solid partnership with the EUIPO through various areas of cooperation to jointly create a well-rounded environment for IP protection and provide better services to applicants...https://www.tipo.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=658917&ctNode=6687&mp=2

TIPO launches the Global Patent Search System (GPSS) on January 1, 2018 - 2018.02.12

TIPO has established a Global Patent Search System (GPSS), which comprised patent data of the IP5 (including the USPTO, the EPO, the JPO, the KIPO, and the SIPO) along with its own data over the past ten years (2006-2017). By making use of search commands provided by the GPSS, users will be able to find patent data they need in a precise manner, which can pave the way for better corporate technology R&D and patent portfolio, allowing users to take advantage of the trend of technology development in their industries in an effectively and timely manner.

The GPSS will add other new features, such as statistical analysis and chart analysis in 2018, which will have data collected from all over the world analyzed and made into charts. For more information, please visit:
https://gpss.tipo.gov.tw/gpsskmc/gpssbkm?@@0.38172615771794554