Taiwan Intellectual Property ˇV Latest Developments

 By Lyndon 

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TIPO publishes report: Analysis of the trend in Trademark Applications from 2010-2019 by industry sector

Using The World Intellectual Property Indicators 2019 report published by the WIPO IP Statistics Data Center as reference, TIPO has used a similar method to the Nice Classification system to collate all the historical data to reveal the similarities and differences between Taiwanˇ¦s industry sectors and those of other countries.  Converting the data into graphs and charts, TIPO has produced a useful reference for businesses to stay informed of the latest trends while they consider their strategies for building portfolios and developing brands.  The report shows that the agriculture sector (Classes 29-33 and 43 in the Nice Classification System) came out in the first position, accounting for 19.2%-21.6% of all applications.  Since 70% of all trademark applications are filed by residents, and Class 43 covers food, beverages, accommodation, catering and other services, it shows that there isa real interest in entrepreneurship and brand innovation in Taiwan.  In second place was Business Services which corresponds to Class 36. Such activities as wholesale and retail, advertising and marketing, import and export agents, and financial services are all covered in this classification which, unsurprisingly, reflects the ongoing development of commercial activity in the past decade.  In third place is Health which corresponds to Class 3 and 5. This category includes cosmetics, cleaning products, medical products and pharmaceuticals.  Concepts of physical wellbeing and beauty care have long been a preoccupation for people personally and businesswise, making a strong showing for this category.  Non-residents have tended to focus on Research and Technology which matches Classes 9, 38,42, and 45, namely computers, communications, consumer electronics, communication transmissions, scientific and technological research and development, and legal services.Non-resident applications were 16.8%-19.3% of all applications showing a small increase in the time period.  Japan, the U.S. and China are the top three foreign applicants with more than half of all no-resident applications.  This shows the strong emphasis on seeking trademark protection for their technology, and also Taiwanˇ¦s role as a high-tech hub and an important player for numerous international firms in the field of electronics, information and telecommunications.

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Technical Evaluation Reports for Utility Model Patents: new guidelines

After a utility model patent is published, any person is allowed to file for a technical evaluation report for the patent from TIPO.  From August 1^st 2020, there will be a change concerning the condition when the examiner should issue a notification of technical evaluation report references.  Instead of all claims of the patent not meeting the patentability eligibility, the new rule states that just one of the claims will necessitate a notification.  This change, in effect, means that the patentee will always have a chance to submit an explanation before the examiner issues a technical evaluation report for the concerned patent if the examiner considers a claim of the concerned patent does not meet the patentability eligibility in view of one or more references.

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2020 Taiwan Innovation and Technology Expo

The 2020 Taiwan Innovation and Technology Expo will be held from September 24 to September 26 at the World Trade Center in Taipei.  Inventors, industry and academic circles from home and abroad have been invited, and it is estimated that more than 500 inventions will be on display.  There will be 3 themed pavilions: Innovation Pilot, Sustainable Development and Future Science and Technology.  During the exhibition there will be an innovation and technology forum holding forth on such topics as, intellectual and financial business strategies, emerging technologies, technology trading opportunities and business opportunities for domestic and foreign patent technology.  The fact that this exhibition is happening on schedule shows that despite the disruptions globally due to the Covid-19 virus, the technology sector is holding up well in Taiwan.

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