Industrial Property

In Portugal, in the year 2020, the Portuguese IP Office (INPI) received 20.105 national Trademark applications, representing an increase of 1,9% when compared to 2019.

Concerning national patents, 391 applications were filed, which generated an increase of 72,2%, the highest in the last 10 years.

On the other hand, national Design applications stood at 257 cases, decreasing 4,1% when compared to the previous year. 

Chinese companies began investing in Africa in the last century, mainly via direct investment. In 2013 President Xi Jinping proposed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in order to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via the continental belt and maritime road across 65 countries. Its aim is to improve regional integration, increase trade and stimulate economic growth.

The Algerian Trademark Law 03-06 (2003) states that a trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the application’s filing date and may be renewed for 10-year periods after this.

In 2015 the Algerian Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) implemented new rules on renewing trademark registrations, which stated that renewals should be accompanied by proof of use and delivered in the year preceding the renewal deadline. This requirement applies to trademarks but excludes other distinctive trade signs.

Update depending on the information provided. Covers the jurisdictions where Inventa International operates.

Africa

Algeria - National Institute of Industrial Property is open but with limited service hours. More info.

From today, September 16th, 2020, the CIPA Revenue Department (Gaborone, Botswana) is closed until further notice due to the Ministry of Health recommendations and will not receive any payments pertaining to intellectual property.

Only online payments will be possible, however, some delays in Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) may be expected.

For further questions, please contact: africa@inventa.com

While businesses are exposed to significant challenges in Africa, Daniel Reis Nobre and Inês Monteiro Alves untangle IP misconceptions surrounding the continent.

There are multiple misconceptions about different topics in Africa and IP is no exception, naturally. The answer is always education, of course. Lack of information and knowledge can easily lead to false understandings and misconceptions of any kind.

After COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Botswana, the government decreed a new lockdown, since July, 31. Therefore, the Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) IP Division is closed and will not receive any electronic filings and payments for all patents, trademarks, industrial designs and all other IP applications, until further notice.

- Previous applications: This procedure also applies to applications that have been received before the closure and will be processed only after the office reopens.

The majority of IP practitioners have had to adapt their routines to the current pandemic and create new working habits. This has meant remote working, which is running smoothly thanks to the availability of online tools and access to IP asset management platforms. Many IP offices have had to implement different practices, which has been challenging as some cases require immediate response. This article focuses on the obstacles raised by the covid-19 pandemic with regard to the administrative processes of IP rights in Cape Verde.

Vitor Palmela Fidalgo of Inventa International gives us an overview of “genuine use” in Angola’s latest industrial property Bill.

On May 18 and 19, 2020, the 73rd Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) took place, which, considering the circumstances we find ourselves, was held for the first time virtually. This Assembly resulted in the long-awaited Resolution that aims to provide a global response to Covid-19. The Resolution was co-sponsored by more than 130 countries and adopted by consensus.