IP Australia becomes first to extend WIPO database to TMs
Australia’s national IP office has extended its library in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) online database to trademarks and designs, in what it says is a world first.
WIPO’s Digital Access Service (DAS) is an online library, which allows for the exchange of priority documents between IP offices.
Participating IP offices can view and retrieve any document uploaded onto the service, saving the cost and time of requesting paper copies.
IP Australia has used the service for the exchange of priority patent documents since 2011. Now, it says, it is the first IP office in the world to extend its DAS library to trademarks.
Other offices, such as Canada’s, have also recently extended their DAS libraries to designs.
The news comes as IP Australia prepares to lead a reform of the country’s design protection regime.
In 2015, the Australian government’s Advisory Council on IP (ACIP) published a review of Australia’s designs system which recommended greater harmonisation with international standards.
IP Australia has now initiated a public consultation as part of the process to implement ACIP’s recommendations.
The consultation, which will end on 20 December, will cover the scope of design protection; increased flexibility for designers; and simplifying the designs system.
Among the key recommendations in the ACIP report was that Australia should start investigating the possibility of joining the WIPO-administered Hague Agreement on designs.
The Hague Agreement regulates the registration and protection of designs in participating countries.
Israel and Samoa announced their accession to the treaty last month.
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