Weekly Design Update – Nov 2021 (2 of 3)

“A change to practice in proceedings before the Registrar’s Tribunal

Tribunal Practice Notices (TPN’s) contain changes to our tribunal functions for trade marks, registered designs, patents and design right.

These normally arise from issues raised in a legal decision or following an appeal.

We will update the patent hearings manual or manual of trade marks practice, as appropriate, with this information.

The manual of trade mark practice provides the most up to date guidance in respect of the Tribunal’s practices and procedures. The manual is regularly updated to include the TPN’s. The practice manual is to be regarded as the main reference point for the Tribunal’s users.”

“Since 9 November 2021, it has become even easier to apply for designs online at the DPMA. The DPMAdirektWeb update provides many new functions. You can now combine up to 20 designs (previously 10 designs) in one application (this is known as multiple application). You can now also export and import your data. A new modern layout and better user interface design improve usability of the service and make the application process even more user-friendly.

The essential changes at a glance

• up to 20 designs per design application possible (maximum of 200 MB for all representations)
• Import and export function for the application data
• Instant communication of the official file number of the design application
• Download option for the application documents as PDF document
• Better user interface design
• Priorities and descriptions can be added to the designs

Changes regarding the design invalidity application

The online application also offers new functions for applications for the determination or declaration of invalidity of a design, for example an import and export function for the application data and an option to download the application documents as a PDF document. In addition, you can now add attachments to the application in PDF/A file format via an upload function.

More information on DPMAdirektWeb

Detailed and useful information on how to use the individual functions for the design application and the application for the determination or declaration of invalidity of a design are available directly in the DPMAdirektWeb application. More general information is available on our web page on DPMAdirektWeb.”

“Kindly note that CIPC is currently experiencing challenges with e-mails sent to customers. Some service providers are blocking e-mails received from CIPC as they view it as junk mail. CIPC is attending to this challenge as a matter of urgency and is liaising with the relevant service providers. CIPC will inform customers once the issue has been resolved.”