Rospatent Participated in the Meeting of the European National Offices Subcommittee of the International Trademark Association (INTA)

On 10 November, the virtual meeting of the European National IP Offices Subcommittee took place as part of the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting. 

Head of the Department of Trademarks and Industrial Designs of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS) Mr. Sergey Rengin took part in the meeting. In his speech, he noted that, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rospatent’s activities have focused on the development of digital solutions available for applicants. Statistics for the 10 months of 2020 show that more than 80% of trademark applications were submitted electronically. Mr. Rengin also stressed that despite the pandemic, the number of trademark applications has increased by more than 5% this year.

The representative of the Russian Federation also highlighted that the Government pays special attention to the introduction of advanced technologies in the examination process, namely the AI-based system, which verifies similarities between the claimed marks and previously registered trademarks, has been finalized.

It was also noted that Rospatent has been actively working to provide the applicants with the opportunity to submit marks presented in 3D format, which would facilitate submissions from creative industries and improve the examination quality in general.

The IP Office is also putting much effort to improve the examination time frames. The first examination report is now sent to the applicant within around 4 months from the date of the application receipt. The average processing time for trademark applications is just over 5 months and this time continues to decrease.

Background information:

INTA is an international, not-for-profit association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related IP to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation. The Association delivers education and training programs around the world and publishes informational and analytical materials related to trademarks.

Over 32,000 professionals representing large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, law firms, and non-profit organizations are members of INTA. Representatives of government agencies, professors, and students also participate in the Association.