Source: http://www.ammann-patent.ch/?Informationen:WIPO
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 00:21:14+00:00

Document:
The following information is not to be construed as legal advice. Though care is invested in compiling these data, no responsibility whatsoever for completeliness or correctness thereof can be taken over.
Furthermore, WIPO provides up-to-date information about legal texts, ratification status etc within the frame of its internet site. However, a list of states upholding or having waived a reservation with respect to the now generally applicable 30-months timelimit for entering national phase under the PCT is provided.
Canada has acceded the Madrid Protocol. It deposited its instrument of accession on 17 March 2019. The Protocol will enter into force for it on 17 June 2019.
The Madrid System has now 104 members and covers 120 countries.
Reservations are not known presently, as the Madrid members database is not yet updated.
to merge international registration issued from such a division.
In the Common Regulations, Rule 27(3) has been deleted, Rules 27bis, 27ter, and 40(6) are added, and Rules 20 and 32 have been modified. For details, see Information Notice 21/2018 of WIPO.
Belarus (BY), Germany (DE), Iceland (IS), Ireland (IE), Republic of Korea (KR), Sweden (SE), the United States of America (US), Vietnam (VN).
A declaration of use has to be filed with the Mexican trademark office for designations of Mexico in IR's within 3 months of issuance of the notification of extension by OMPI.
Canada has deposited the instrument of ratification for the Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement on 16 July 2018. It becomes the 55th member of the Geneva Act and the 69th member of the Hague Union. The Act enters into force for Canada on 5 November 2018.
A 7(2): Designation of and renewal with effect to Canada will require a specific fee.
A 17(3)(c): The duration is the longer of 15 years calculated from the international filing date and 10 years from the date of registration in Canada.
R. 18(1)(b) of the Common Regulations: Period of 6 months for notifying a refusal is replaced by 12 months.
The United Kingdom has deposited the instrument of ratification for the Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement on 13 March 2018. It becomes the 54th member of the Geneva Act and the 68th member of the Hague Union. The Act enters into force for the United Kingdom on 13 June 2018.
The Russian Federation has deposited the instrument of ratification for the Geneva Act (1999) of the Hague Agreement on 30 November 2017. Russia becomes the 53rd member of the Geneva Act and the 67th member of the Hague Union. The Act enters into force for the Russian Federation on 13 June 2018.
The Swiss Institue of Intellectual Property (IIP) informed WIPO that the application fee which is due for entering a national phase before IIP is due within 3 months of the date of filing (i.e. entering the Swiss national phase) instead of the (presently) 30 months timelimit stipulated by the PCT (Art. 22 or 39). It is observed, however, that the Ordinance Art. 124 still requires that inter alia the application fee be paid within 30 months after the priority or PCT filing date. No other information by the IIP on this subject is known.
PCT Newsl. 2017/12 (2017) 7.
On 1 January 2018, the 2018 version of the eleventh edition of the Nice classification entered into force.
Jordan (JO) has become the 152nd member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 9 March 2017, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 9 June 2017. Accordingly, Jordan will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 9 June 2017 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2017/3 (2017) 1.
Spain has withdrawn the reservation under Rule 18(1) of the Common Regulations as a consequence of recent modifications of Spanish design law. Therefore, international designs will be protected as of the date of publication after 30 May 2017.
PCT Newsl. 2016/9 (2016) 1.
Djibouti (DJ) has become the 150th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 23 June 2016, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 23 September 2016. Accordingly, Djibouti will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 23 September 2016 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2016/07-8 (2016) 1.
Kuwait (KW) has become the 149th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 9 June 2016, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 9 September 2016. Accordingly, Kuwait will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 9 September 2016 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2016/06 (2016) 1.
Madrid Agreement/Protocol and The Hague Agreement are applicable to Faroer Islands since 13 April 2016. The respective reservation by Danmark has been withdrawn.
The Government of Mozambique has notified WIPO that from November 5, 2015, a declaration of intention to use the mark is required when Mozambique is designated under the Madrid Protocol.
From November 5, by designating Mozambique, the applicant or holder declares his/her intention to use the mark, or for it to be used with his/her consent in Mozambique, in connection with the goods and services identified in the international application or subsequent designation.
For further information, please refer to Information Notice No. 41/2015.
Under Art. 5(2)d, Algeria (DZ) has made the following declaration: "In accordance with Article 5(2)(b) and (c) of the Protocol, this Contracting Party has declared that the time limit to notify a refusal of protection shall be 18 months and that, where a refusal of protection results from an opposition to the granting of protection, such refusal may be notified after the expiry of the 18-month time limit." .
Algeria (DZ) will be the 95th member of the Madrid Protocol as of 31 July 2015. The Protocol will enter into force for Algeria on 31 October 2015.
By the entry into force of the Protocol for Algeria, i.e. after 31 October 2015, the Protocol and its advantages will apply to all international trademark applications.
(WIPO News 7 August 2015).
Cambodia (KH) will be the 94th member of the Madrid Protocol as of 5 March 2015. The Protocol will enter into force for Cambodia on 5 June 2015.
(WIPO Information Notice 2015/6 of 20 March 2015.
Japan has accessed the The Hague system on 13 February 2015. The Hague Agreement enters into force for Japan on 13 May 2015.
However, it appears that the system that only one design per registration is allowed, is still applicable. For an international design comprising a number of designs, a fee for each design will be levied.
The U.S.A. have accessed the The Hague system on 13 February 2015. The Hague Agreement enters into force for the U.S.A. on 13 May 2015.
Rule 49ter.2(h): restoration of right of priority by designated office.
As a consequence, PCT Rules 26bis.3(a) to (i), 49ter.1(a) to (d), and 49ter.2(a) to (g) will be applied by the Japanese Patent Office if the filing date of the respective PCT application is 1 April 2015 or later. Hence, the JPO will accept decisions made by a RO regarding restoration of right of priority prvided that the conditions that the necessary conditions are met. Furthermore, JPO will apply the "due care" criterion in this respect if dealing with a request for restoration of right of priority.
PCT Newsl. 2015/03 (2015) Article 2.
With effect from 31 March 2014, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) (KR) is a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
The Republic of Korea may be designated in an International Design Application since 1 July 2014.
The Islamic Republic of Iran (IR) has become the 148th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 4 July 2013, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 4 October 2013. Accordingly, Iran will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 4 October 2013 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2013/07 (2013) 1.
Rwanda (RW) will be the 90th member of the Madrid Protocol as of 8 July 2013.
Saudi Arabia (SA) has become the 147th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 3 May 2013, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 3 August 2013. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 3 August 2013 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2013/05 (2013) 1.
With effect on 10 December 2012, New Zealand will be a member of the Madrid Protocol due to its accessing on 10 September 2012. The accession will have no effect to the territory of Tokelau until the point in time when a respective declaration will be deposited. The delay for declaring provisional refusal has been extended to 18 months, and a provisional refusal due to an opposition may occur even later. Further details like Declaration of intention to use, effect of licenses registered with WIPO (Rule 20bis (6)(a)), individual fees (not yet known [13 Nov 212]).
Vanuatu (VU) has become the 157th member of the WTO on 24 August 2012. As a consequence, priority of a first filing in Vanuatu may be claimed in a PCT application.
PCT Newsl. 2012/11 (2012) 1.
As a consequence of the America Invents Act (AIA), is is no more required that an inventor is designated as an applicant for the purposes of the designation of the USA in a PCT application on and after 16 September 2012. However, the inventor will still be required for the proceedings before the U.S.P.T.O, in particular the Oath or the Declaration will still be necessary to be filed. Unfortunately, the present wording of the declaration comprised in the PCT request (Rule 4.17(iv)) does not comply with the requirements under the AIA. An adapted PCT request in paper form is announced to appear in time, yet a revised filing software will be available in January 2013 only, as are revised PCT regulations.
PCT Newsl. 2012/07-08 (2012) 1-2.
Panama (PA) has become the 146th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 7 June 2012, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 7 September 2012. Accordingly, Panama will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 7 December 2012 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2012/06 (2012) 1.
Brunei Darussalam (BN) has become the 145th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 24 April 2012, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 24 July 2012. Accordingly, Brunei Darussalam will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 24 April 2012 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2012/05 (2011) 1.
Rwanda (RW) has become the 144th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 31 May 2011, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 31 August 2011. Accordingly, Rwanda will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 31 August 2011 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2011/06 (2011) 1.
Qatar (QA) will become the 143th member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 03 May 2011, and the PCT will enter into force for that country on 3 August 2011. Accordingly, Qatar will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 3 August 2011 the earliest.
Katar has made a reservation under Art. 64(5) PCT: Bringing before the International Cour if Justice of disputes betweeen two of more states about the interpretation or application of the PCT or of regulations.
PCT Newsl. 2011/5 (2011) 1.
With effect from 30 June 2011, Tajikistan (TZ) becomes a member of the Madrid Protocol. Thereby, the number of members of the Madrid Protocol is increased to 84, and the total number of members of the Madrid System to 86.
With effect from 1 May 2011, Finland (FI) is a member of the 1999 Geneva Act (additionally: Revision of London 2 June 1934, The Hague 28 November 1960, complemented by the Additional Act Monaco 1961, the Complementary Act of Stockholm 1967, and the Protocol Geneva 1975).
Denmark deposited a declaration that the Madrid Protocol is applicable to Greenland since 11 January 2011, and another declaration to the same effect with respect to the The Hague Agreement, inter alia the Act of Geneva.
Liechtenstein and The Netherlands have deposited the instruments of abolishment of the London Act of 1934 and the Monaco Additional Act of 1961. The required number of instruments has not yet been reached.
With effect from 08 December 2010, Kazakhstan (KZ) becomes a member of the Madrid Protocol. Thereby, the number of members of the Madrid Protocol is increased to 83, and the total number of members of the Madrid System to 85.
With effect from 17 June 2010, Norway (NO) is a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
On 16 February 2009, the Madrid Protocol entered into force for Sudan (SD) which is a member of the Madrid Agreement since 16 May 1984.
With effect from 1 July 2010, the 1934 London Act of the The Hague Agreement on International Registration of Designs will be freezed: As of this date, no designation under the 1934 Act will be accepted anymore. Designations made priorily will remain valid.
The member countries of this Act agreed that the next step will be to terminate the 1934 Act. It is hoped that the proceedings will be streamlined thereby.
Thailand (TH) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 24 September 2009 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 24 December 2009. Accordingly, Thailand will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 24 December 2009 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2009/10 (2009) 1.
On 11 December 2009, the Madrid Protocol will enter into force for Liberia (LR) which is already a member of the Madrid Agreement. The number of Member states will be 80.
With effect from 9 December 2009, Serbia (RS) is a member of the 1999 Geneva Act. It has already been a member the The Hague Convention.
Rule 16: A member state having deposited a declaration pursuant Art. 5(2) b or c may inform the IB of a refusal due to an opposition after expiry of the 18 months timelimit.
Rule 17: Remain in force as far as the provisional refusal is addressed. The other provisions are moved to Rule 18bis and 18ter.
Rule 18bis: An office may notify that the refusal has been withdrawn even in case of a favorable examination following a provisional refusal.
Rule 18ter: The rule addresses the definitive status of a registration in a state. Basically, an office shall inform the IB as early as possible of a positive (allowance) or negative (refusal) result of an examination.
With effect from 2 July 2009, Poland (PL) is a member of the 1999 Geneva Act (additionally: Revision of London 2 June 1934, The Hague 28 November 1960, complemented by the Additional Act Monaco 1961, Complementary Act of Stockholm 1967, the Protocol Geneva 1975).
when filing amendments of the claims under PCT Articles 19 and/or 34, the new requirement for applicants to submit a complete set of claims rather than, as at present, replacement sheets only for those sheets of claims which differ from sheets previously filed (see amended PCT Rules 46.5 and 66.8(c)).
The consolidated texts of the PCT Regulations, as in force from 1 July 2009, are available in English, French and Spanish, too.
A number of modifications have been made to the Administrative Instructions under the PCT in relation to the filing of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listings (hereinafter: sequence listings). These modifications will also enter into force on 1 July 2009 and consist of modifications to Sections 101, 207, 208, 513, 610, 702, 707 and 713, Annex C and Annex F (including its Appendices III and IV), as well as the deletion of Part 8 and Annex C-bis.
there will no longer be any page fee benefits for tables relating to sequence listings - pages containing such tables will count as regular pages of description, irrespective of how they are submitted.
defining the requirements for the submission of sequence listings in lectronic form using physical media (Annex F).
All modifications will apply to international applications filed on or after 1 July 2009.
Consolidated texts of the Administrative Instructions (PCT/AI/9) and of Annex F thereto (PCT/AI/ANF/4), as in force from July 1, 2009, are available.
PCT Newsl. 2009/6 (2009) 1-2.
Peru (PE) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 6 March 2009 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 6 June 2009. Accordingly, Peru will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 6 June 2009 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2009/3 (2009) 1.
Chile (CL) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 2 March 2009 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 2 June 2009. Accordingly, Chile will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 2 June 2009 the earliest.
Chile has made a reservation that it is not bound by Art. 59 PCT (Dispute settlement between member states).
With effect from 4 March 2009, Oman (OM) becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
With effect from 27 January 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) becomes a member of the Madrid Protocol.
With effect from 24 December 2008, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
With effect from 9 December 2008, Denmark becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
Sao Tomé and Principe accessed the Madrid Protocol with effect from 8 December 2008.
With effect from 8 December 2008, Sao Tomé and Principe becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
With effect from 7 October 2008, Bulgaria, being already a member of the Agreement, becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
With effect from 26 September 2008, Lithuania, being already a member of the Agreement, becomes a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
As of 1 September 2008, the "safeguard clause" is abolished. On and after that date, if the state of origin and a designated state are both members of the Madrid Protocol, the Protocol governs the registration for this designated country, irrespective if one or both of the two states are also members of the Madrid Arrangement.
Thailand (TH) deposited its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention on 02 May 2008 and will become bound on 2 August 2008. Furthermore, Thailand has made a reservation under Art. 28(2) of not being subject to decisions of the International Court of Justice in case of a dispute with another country.
Sao Tome and Principe (ST) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 3 April 2008 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 3 July 2008. Accordingly, Sao Tome and Principe will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 3 July 2008 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2008/4 (2008) 2.
Rule 51 bis.3(a): Minimal timelimit of 2 months in case certain requirements have not been complied with.
The international filing fee is reduced to CHF 1'330.
The fee reduction for applicants fulfilling the requirements of Item 4(a) or (b) of the Schedule of Fees (applicant is a natural person and is a national of and resides in a state with defined maximal per capita income; or is not a natural person, yet is a national of and resides in a state classified as a least developed country by the UN) is increased to 90 % (formerly: 75 %).
Extension of scope of the above fee reductions to the following states: Antigua and Barbuda; Bahrein; Barbados; Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; Oman; Seychelles; Singapore; Trinidad and Tobago; United Arab Emirates.
PCT Newsl. 2008/4 (2008) 1-2.
Bahrein withdraws the reservation under Art. 5.2(c) (notice of opposition possible after expiry of deadline for notifying a refusal) before entering into force. The reservation under Art. 5.2(b) (notice of refusal up to 18 months after inter officia notification of extension) is maintained and enters into force on 7 May 2008.
With effect from 28 April 2008, Madagascar deposited a declaration pursuant Art. 5(2)(b) and 5(2)(d) that the timelimit for pronouncng a refusal is 18 months instead of one year.
With effect from 19 January 2008, Mongolia, being already a member of the The Hague Convention, is also a member of the 1999 Geneva Act.
With effect from 1 January 2008, the European Union will be a member of the The Hague Convention, 1999 Geneva Act.
Angola (AO) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 27 September 2007 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 27 December 2007. Accordingly, Angola will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 27 December 2007 the earliest.
PCT Newsl. 2007/10 (2007) 1.
Bahrein (country code: BH) acceded the Madrid Protocol on 15 September and will be bound on 15 December 2007.
Summing up, PCT Rules 4.10(a) and (b) (as amended with effect from 1 January 2000), 20.3(a)(ii) and (b)(ii), 20.5(a)(ii) and (d), 20.6, 26bis.3(a) to (i), 49.6(a) to (e), 49ter.1(a) to (f), 49ter.2(a) to (g) and 51bis.1(e) apply with respect to the EPO with effect from 13 December 2007.
Oman (country code: OM) became a member of the Madrid Protocol on 16 October 2007. It will be bound by the Protocol as of the same day. Number of members is now 74.
With effect from 4 August 2007, the Holy See renounced to be a member of the The Hague Union and has canceled the London version of the The Hague Agreement.
With effect from 13 July 2007, Armenia (AM) became a member of the The Hague Union.
Serbia, as the successor state of the dissolved Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, will continue to recognize any international patent applications designating Serbia and Montenegro. (BTW: The same applies to extension of European Patents to the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro) (cf. PCT Newsl. 2006/10 (2006)).
Regulations are being drafted for setting into force patents and designations granted for resp. of the former Republic of Serbia and Montenegro. Still to be recalled that Montenegro declared that the PCT continues to be applicable to the Republic of Montenegro (ME).
With effect from 1 July 2007, Sweden has withdrawn the reservation under PCT Rules 94ter.1(g) and .2(g) (restoration of right of priority by receiving/designated/elected office). In examining such a request for restoration of rights, the Swedish Patent Office will apply the criterion of due care.
request for restoration of priority claim available, depending on receiving office or if applied later, on designated/elected office.
The amendments/amended Regulations are available on the PCT-website of WIPO.
With effect from 19 March 2007, Albania is a member of the The Hague Convention including the 1960 Stockholm Act and the 1999 Geneva Act.
The Kingdom of Bahrein (BH) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 18 December 2006 and will become a member state of the PCT including Chapter II with effect from 18 March 2007. Accordingly, Bahrain will automatically be designated and elected in any PCT application having a filing date of 18 March 2007 the earliest.
Note: Bahrein has made a reservation under Art. 64(5) PCT. Accordingly, Art. 59 relating to the resolution of disputes between member states does not apply to Bahrein.
PCT Newsl. 2007/1 (2007) 1.
Wit effect from 1 March 2007, Latvia closed the national route via the PCT. thereafter, Latvia will be designated only within the designation of the European Patent Convention.
PCT Newsl. 2007/4 (2007) 1.
Botswana (BW) acceded the The Hague Union including the Geneva Protocol, and the Madrid Protocol, both with effect from 5 December 2006.
CHF 300 for electronic filings with request, description, claims, abstract character encoded.
The availability of these reductions depends on the competent Receiving Office..
Guatemala (GT) has deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 14 July 2006 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 14 October 2006.
The Republic of Mali (ML) acceded the The Hague Union including the Geneva Protocol with effect from 7 September 2006.
El Salvador (SV) has deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 17 May 2006 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 17 August 2006.
Malaysia (MY) has deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 16 May 2006 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 16 August 2006.
Honduras has deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 20 March 2006 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 20 June 2006.
The Lao's People's Republic has deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 14 March 2006 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 14 June 2006.
and several forms for official use.
The forms shall be used from 1 April 2006 on and may be downloaded.
Section 406(b) of the Administrative Instructions: Any publication of a PCT application on or after 1 April 2006 will occur electronically only and this will be the legal publication. The publication will be accessible online. The time for completing the technical preparation will remain 15 days, and publication will take place once a week, usually on Thursday.
Searching will be possible by bibliographic data and the full text. The publication will be available for download in PDF, HTML, XML, and ZIP, wherein the latter will comrise bibliographic data in XML and page images in TIFF format. The HTML and XML formats are obtained by OCR processing of the specifications.
Under the document tab, declaration pursuant to R. 4.17, sequence listings.
In the event that the web site is not accessible, the publication may still be accessible via an FTP server having the same URL.
The applicant will no more receive a paper copy of the publication. Instead, it is planned that a modified PCT/IB311 is furnished on the date of publication. On request, however, the IB will still send a paper copy free of charge to the applicant.
The Gazette will no more appear in paper form but electronically only.
Wipo welcomnes comments in these changes via email or by fax to +41 22 910 00 30.
The PCT Applicant's Guide will no more appear in paper form, but will be provided online only.
With effect from 1 April 2006, several sections have been modified.
the respective state has informed WIPO accordingly.
St. Kitts and Nevis deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 27 July 2005 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 27 October 2005.
Zambia has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1) with effect from 22 September 2005, cf. the list of member states.
Greece accessed the Madrid Protocol with effect from 20 August 2005. The declarations pursuant Art. 5(2)(b) and 5(2)(c) have been given.
26 JUL 2005 THA/GE LV Latvia accessed the Geneva Act of the The Hague Agreement with effect from 26 July 2005.
The Lybian Arab Jamahiriya (LY) deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 15 June 2005 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 15 September 2005.
+41 (0)22 338 82 70.
which replaces +41 (0)22 740 14 35.
Nigeria (NG) deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 8 February 2005 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 8 May 2005.
The Comoros (KM) deposited the instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 31 January 2005 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 3 April 2005.
The Comoros (KM) deposited the instrument of accession to the Paris Convention on 31 January 2005 and will become bound by the Convention on 3 April 2005.
late furnishing fee for the furnishing of sequence listings for search and examination purposes.
The text is available in Section IV of PCT Gaz. 10/2005.
The text is available in Section IV of PCT Gaz. 11/2005.
01 FEB 2005 THA/60 HU Hungary has cancelled the London Act of the The Hague Agreement with effect from 1 February 2005. However, see below concerning accession to the Geneva Act.
01 JAN 2005 PCT FI 30M Finland has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1) with effect from 1 January 2005, cf. the list of member states.
Details regarding the applicable timelimit (31 or 30 months).
International Bureau (IB): Requirement to file separate power of attorney waived with effect from 1 January 2005 for any PCT application having a filing date on or after 1 January 2004. (Note: The IB as receiving office (RO) has had waived the requirement to file a separate power earlier. Now it is admissible to file documents even directly with the IB without having filed a separate power even if the IB is not the RO. Of course, the agent had to be indicated in the PCT request at the time of filing. Any ulterior appointment of an agent continues to need a separate power (PCT Rule 90.4b,d). As well, for filing a withdrawal, a power of attorney is always needed (PCT Rule 90.4e). Cf. the Practical Advice in PCT Newsl. 2004/12 (2004) 10.
In response to an unfavorable Written Opinion as established since 1 January 2004 within the frame of the International Search Report (IPRP), the applicant may file a comment with the IB. The comments has to be clearly identified as "Informal Comment", else the IB can not assign it properly. Amendments under Art. 19 PCT have to be clearly distinct. The "Informal Comment" will be sent to the designated offices together with the IPRP provided that no Demand has been filed. The offices of the designated states are free to require a translation of the comment. The comment will not be published with the international patent application, yet be open to the public by file inspection.
A timelimit for filing a comment to the Written Opinion does not exist, yet it should be filed 28 months after the priority date the latest, so that the IB may distribute it to the designated offices.
San Marino (SM) deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 14 September 2004 and will become bound by the PCT (Chapter I and II) on 14 December 2004.
22 JUL 2004 PC PK Pakistan (country code: PK) will become bound by the Paris Convention on 22 July 2004.
02 JUN 2004 PC AD Andorra (country code: AD) will become bound by the Paris Convention on 2 June 2004.
Deadline for entering the national phase in Brazil for an international (PCT) application is extended to 30 months as of 30 April 2004. Presently, no further details are available, it is, however, hoped that the 30 months deadline applies to all PCT applications where the 20 month deadline is still running on 30 April 2004.
23 JAN 2004 MMA/P HR Croatia has acceded the Madrid Protocol on 23 January 2004.
As of 1 January 2004, for all PCT application, the new Demand form is to be used irrespective of the filing and priority date. For application filed before 1 January 2004, box IV, item 4 is to ignored, revised Rule 54bis1(a) not being applicable to these patent applications.
11 MAR 2004 PCN SA Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention on 11 December 2003 and will become bound on 11 March 2004.
01 FEB 2004 PCT NO 30M Norway has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1)and with Rule 51bis2(a) with effect from 1 February 2004, cf. the list of member states.
Remark: Timelimit for entering the national phase in Norway is now 31 months with effect from 01 February 2004.
01 JAN 2004 PCN NA Namibia deposited its instrument of accession to the Paris Convention on 29 December 2003 and will (extraordinarily) become bound on 1 January 2004.
01 JAN 2004 PCT SG 30M Singapore has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1) with effect from 1 January 2004, cf. the list of member states.
01 JAN 2004 PCT NA Namibia deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT, Chapter I and II, on 1 October 2003 and will become bound by the PCT on 1 January 2004.
4 NOV 2003 MMA/P CY Cyprus has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol and the Madrid Agreement with WIPO. Madrid Agreement and Protocol will enter into force for Cyprus on 4 November 2003.
2 NOV 2003 MMA/P US The U.S.A. have deposited their instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol with WIPO. The Madrid Protocol will enter into force for the U.S.A. on 2 November 2003.
Art. 5(2)(b) and (c) of the Protocol: delay for provisional refusal of one year is replaced by a delay of 18 months, and a provisional refusal due to an opposition may be notified still later.
Art. 8(7)(a) of the Protocol: designation of the U.S.A. requires a special fee.
30 SEP 2003 PCT YU CS Serbia and Montenegro have received the 2-letter ISO Code CS.
25 AUG 2003 PCT IB The International Bureau acting as receiving office (RO/IB) accepts electronically filed PCT applications, though only from users registered for this filing manner (registered under PCT-SAFE pilot For details, see PCT Gazette 34 IV/2003 (2003) 19248 .
01 AUG 2003 PCT BY Belarus has withdrawn the reservation of incompatibility with PCT Rule 49.6 as amended on 1 January 2003. Hence, amended Rule 49.6 (reinstatement of rights in case the requirements for entering the national phase as prescribed under Art. 22 PCT have not been fulfilled) will be valid for Belarus from 1 August 2003 inclusively. A request for reinstatement of rights has to be filed within 12 months after expiry of the timelimit under Art. 22 PCT. The request must be accompagnied by legitimate reasons why the requirements had not been complied with and a prescribed fee (USD 200).
24 JUL 2003 MMA/P CN By notification of 24 July 2003, China has withdrawn its reservation under Art. 14.2)d) of the Madrid Arrangement. In consequence, any international registration may be extended to China.
01 JUL 2003 PCT PT Portugal has withdrawn the reservation of incompatibility with PCT Rule 49.6 as amended on 1 January 2003. Hence, amended Rule 49.6 (reinstatement of rights in case the requirements for entering the national phase as prescribed under Art. 22 PCT have not been fulfilled) will be valid for Portugal from 1 July 2003 inclusively.
01 APR 2003 PCT DK 30M Danmark has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1)and with Rule 51bis2(a) with effect from 1 July 2003, cf. the list of member states and the EP-Info.
Remark: Timelimit for entering the national phase in Danmark is now 31 months with effect from 01 July 2003.
01 APR 2003 PCT ZA 30M South Africa has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1) with effect from 23 April 2003, cf. the list of member states and the EP-Info.
Remark: Timelimit for entering the national phase in South Africa is extended to 31 months with effect from 23 April 2003.
26 JUN 2003 PCT SY The Syrian Arab Republic (SY) has deposited its instrument of ratification of the PCT on 26 March 2003. With effect from 26 June 2003, Syria may be designated and elected in an international patent application under the PCT.
14 JUN 2003 PCT PG Papua New Guinea (PG) has deposited its instrument of ratification of the PCT on 14 March 2003. With effect from 14 June 2003, Papua New Guinea may be designated and elected in an international patent application under the PCT.
01 APR 2003 PCT EE 30M Estonia has withdrawn its notification of incompatibility with "new" PCT Art 22(1) with effect from 1 April 2003, cf. the list of member states and the EP-Info.
06 MAR 2003 PCT NI Nicaragua (NI) has deposited its instrument of accession to the PCT on 6 December 2002. With effect from 6 March 2003, Nicaragua may be designated and elected in an international patent application under the PCT.
01 FEB 2003 PCT 30M China has withdrawn the reservation with respect to the general 30M timelimit with effect from 1 February 2003, cf. the list of member states.
01 JAN 2003 PCT 30M Further PCT member states have withdrawn the reservation with respect to the general 30M timelimit, most recently Hungary with effect from 1 January 2003, cf. the list of member states and the EP-Info.
Modified Administrative Instructions relating to international patent applications containing (large) nucleotide/amino acid listings or related tables: instructions relating to electronic filing of this listings/tables and the publication of the correspondig patent applications (may be made on paper or electronically as determined by the Director General) (Sections 801 - 806 and Annex C-bis (technical requirements for the presentation of tables related to nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings ...). The instructions are valid mutatis mutandis to the communication of the international patent application under Art. 20 and the furnishing of copies or priority documents under Rules 87, 94.1, Rule 17.1 in connection with Section 801(a) of these modified Administrative Instructions, and Rules 17.2 and 66.7.
The Seychelles (SC) has deposited its instrument of ratification on 7 August 2002 and is bound since 7 November 2002 by the PCT, Chapter I and II. Hence, it may be designated in any PCT application filed on or after this date.
30 AUG 2002 PCT JP Deadline for entering the national phase in Japan for an international (PCT) application is extended to 30 months as of 1 September 2002. According to the transitional provisions, the extension also applies to patent applications where the 20 months term has not expired on 1 September 2002. This adoption of the new PCT rules is included in a revision of the Japanes patent law, some amendments of which will be in force as of 1 September 2002 like the extension of term for entering the national phase. Another point is the introduction of a grace period for furnishing the translation of 2 months. This rule may also apply to international patent applications where the national phase is entered on 1 September 2002 or later - for exact conditions, please be referred to the competent sources (Japanese Patent Office or patent attorneys).
According to the new trademark law which will enter into force on 30 July 2002, the Spanish trademark office will no more raise objections of relative non-registrability ex officio. It will merely conduct a search and inform the holders of all revealed trademarks of the new international registration or request of extension ot Spain. In consequence, any opposition on relative grounds has to be formed by the holders of the concerned prior rights.
The mentioned official notification will only be sent to addresses in Spain so that any foreign holder has to indicate at least a post delivery address in Spain in order to receive the notification of being cited such a search report.
Australia has declared the reservation according to Rule 20bis(6)(a) of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Ageement that licenses registered with WIPO have no effect since the Australian law does not provide for recording of licenses. The reservation is in effect since 1 April 2002.
01 APR 2002 MMA/P SG LI JP Lithuania, Japan and Singapore have deposited the declaration under Rule 20bis(6)(b) that a licence registered for a international registration with the International Register under Rule 20bis(3) has no effect for these countries. (Information Notice No. 9/2002 (SG), 10/2002 (LI) and 11/2002 (JP), all of 21 march 2002).
01 APR 2002 PCT List of member states whose legislation presently does not allow a general extension of the timelimit for entering national phases to 30 months is published in PCT Newsl. 2002/02 (2002) 4.
01 APR 2002 PCT The PCT assembly decided to extend the delay for entering the national phases from 20 to 30 months. In other terms, it will be no more necessary to apply for the Preliminary Exmaination pursuant Chapter II within 19 months after the priority date to enjoy the longer 30 months timelimit. The new regime is programmed to be in force from 1 April 2002 on. Nevertheless, it will still be possible to apply for Preliminary Examination if an official statement as regards inter alia novelty and inventiveness is needed still during the international phase.
As member states to the PCT will have to adapt their domestic legislation to the new situation, a transitional provision exists: Any state may apply for a postponement of the new deadline for himself by 31 January 2001 of this reason. As regards any state having made use of the transitional provision, the old regulations (20 months deadline without Preliminary Examination requested in due time) will prevail.
Another transitional provision pertains to existing PCT applications: As far as the 20 month timelimit has not expired by the date on which the new regime gets in force for a designated state, this timelimit is extended to 30 months.
the designation fees are paid later than one month from the date of receipt of the application, but within one year after the priority date (cf. Rule 15.4(c), 2nd sentence).
The assembly agreed to modifying the agreement with the EPO so that the EPO may change its competence as an ISA and IPEA with respect to a receiving office in dependence on the general workload of the EPO. Thereby, the EPO will be able to adjust its ISA/IPEA workload in a way that it can fulfill its other functions (examination of European patent applications, before all).
CHF 088 for each further class.
CHF 140 for each further class.
18 Jan 2002 MMA/P BY Belarus (country code: BY) deposited its instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol on 18 October 2001 It will be bound by the Protocol as of 18 January 2002.
Number of members to the Madrid System is 55.
10 Dec 2001 PCT TN Tunisia (country code: TN) has deposited its instrument of adhesion to the PCT on 10 September 2001. The treaty will have effect in Tunisia as of 10 December 2001 including Chapter II.
31 OCT 2001 MMA/P During its 33rd session (24 September to 3 October 2001), the Assembly of the Madrid Union adopted a number of amendments to the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol. A full document with amendments marked is available on the "International Marks" page of (WIPO. Certain amendments entered into force on 4 October 2001, the remaining will enter into force on 1 April 2001.
NEW: Rule 20bis: Licenses may be registered in the International Register. Fee: CHF 177.00 per recording or amendment of recording.
Further information as to practical consequences of this changes will provisionally be published early in 2002.
The declarations take effect on 24 October 2001.
19 Oct 2001 MMA/P IE Eire (country code: IE) deposited its instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol on 19 July 2001. It will be bound by the Protocol as of 19 October 2001.
Art. 5(2)(c): refusal due to opposition against grant of protection may be notified still after the expiry of the timelimit of 18 months.
02 Oct 2001 MMA/P BG Bulgaria (country code: BG) deposited its instrument of ratification of the Madrid Protocol on 2 July 2001. It will be bound by the Protocol as of 2 October 2001.
Protocol, Art 5.2(c): If a "refus de protection" issues in consequence of an opposition, it may be notified even after expiry of the timelimit of 18 months.
Protocol, Art 8.7(a): Designation of Australia requires special official fees instead of the designation fees provided by the Protocol.
18 MAY 2000 PCT MZ Mozambique (MZ) has acceded to the PCT including Chapter II; in effect as of 17 May 2000 (PCT Newsl. 2000/3 (2000) 1).
17 APR 2000 MMP IT Italy (Code: IT) has acceded to the Madrid Protocol; in effect as of 17 April 2000 (Information Notice No 3/2000, issued by WIPO).
17 MAR 2000 MMP AG Antigua and Barbuda (Code: AG) has acceded to the Madrid Protocol; in effect as of 17 March 2000 (Information Notice No 2/2000, issued by WIPO).
17 MAR 2000 PCT PCN AG Antigua and Barbuda (Code: AG) may be designated and elected in a PCT application, and is bound as of this date by the Paris Convention (PCT Newsl. 2000/1 (2000) 1 and 4).
08 MAR 2000 PCT DZ Algeria (Code: DZ) may be designated and elected in a PCT application (PCT Newsl. 2000/1 (2000) 1).
01 JAN 2000 Rule 4.10 PCT amended: Priority of a patent application (or an equivalent application according to the PCT) filed in or for a member state of the WTO, even if it is not a member state of the Paris Convention, may be claimed for a PCT application. However, due to the filing of an incompatibility declaration, such a priority claims is not valid with regard to the European and the Japanese patent office - until the EPC or the Japanese patent law, respectively, are amended to be compatible with this new provision. (PCT Newsl. 1999/12 (1999) 1-2).
01 JAN 2000 EPC Maximal number of due designation fees is reduced to 8; designation fee reduced to CHF 140.-; for: all international patent application filed on or after 1 January 2000 (PCT Newsl. 1999/10 (1999) 1).
20 DEC 1999 PCN CN Macau Since 20 December 1999, Macau is a Special Administrative Zone of the People's Republic of China (treaty CN/PT of 13 April 1987). Accordingly, since this date, Macau is bound by the PCN. (PCT Newsl. 2000/1 (2000) 1).
01 DEC 1999 PCT KR The Korean patent office is appointed as a International Searching Authority (ISA) and an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) (PCT Newsl. 1999/12 (1999) 2).
01 JUL 1999 PCT EP Reductions of fees for European and international (PCT) patent applications filed on or after 01 July: International Search: about 15 % (EP OJ 1999/01 (1999) 5-8).
16 MAR 1999 PCT ZA South Africa acceded the PCT and may be designated and elected from this date (PCT Newsl. 1999/01 (1999) 1).
13 MAR 1999 PCT AT Austria bound by the Madrid Protocol (Information circular of WIPO).
10 MAR 1999 PCT AE United Arab Emirates acceded the PCT and may be deisgnated and elected from this date. (PCT Newsl. 1999/01 (1999) 1).
printed directly onto one side only of A4 paper sheets (white, opaque, without the grid of standard spaces). the printed area shall be 16 cm x 24 cm at most. Around each picture, it shall be possible to draw a rectangular frame which does not contain parts of the other representations or anything else not adhering to the representation. Consequently, the required numbering has to appear outside the standard spaces, and the representations have to be rectangles.
One set of representations is to be filed.
01 Jan 1999 PCT Maximal number of designation fees to be paid decreased from 11 to 10. Use of PCT-EASY-Software entails reduction of application fee. (PCT Newsletter 10/1998 (1998) 1, 2).
14 Dec 1998 MMA MMP SZ Madrid Arrangement and Madrid Protocol valid for Swaziland.
18 Nov 1998 MMP EE Madrid Protocol valid for Estonia; timlimit for rejection 18 months, in case of opposition even beyond (art. 5.2 a), b) and 5.2 c)); designation fee and renewal fee set individually (art. 8.7a); registration under the Madrid Protocol filed before the Madrid Prot. is valid for Estonia may not be extended to Estonia.
01 Sep 1998 THA MD Designation of MOLDOVA is subject to payment of a State novelty fee.
LTPI: Lois et Traités de Propriété Intellectuelle, a monthly publication of WIPO. ISSN 1020-704X.

References: Art. 124
 Art. 5
 Art. 64
 Art. 5
 Art. 59
 Art. 28
 Art. 5
 Art. 5
 Art. 5
 Art. 64
 Art. 59
 Art 22
 Art. 5
 Art 22
 Art. 19
 Art 22
 Art 22

Art. 5

Art. 8
 Art. 22
 Art. 22
 Art. 14
 Art. 22
 Art 22
 Art 22
 Art 22
 Art. 20

Art. 5
 Art 5
 Art 8