Annual Technical Report 2004 on Industrial Design Information Activities submitted by Zambia (SCIT/ATR/ID/2004/ZM)
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The expression "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models. Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.
I. Evolution of registration activities
In the year 2004, there was an increase in the number of applications, especially from residents, as compared to 2003. This was necessitated by the vigorous campaigns, which were conducted during the year. The number of registrations was also high compared to 2003.
Zambia is a member of ARIPO. Therefore, applicants can seek protection of their Design s in Zambia through ARIPO and vice visa.
II. Matters concerning the generation, reproduction, and distribution of industrial design documents and of secondary sources of industrial design information, i.e., official gazettes
The Zambia Patent and Trade Marks Journal, published on the 25th of every month, is the official publication for Designs in Zambia. Announcements in this publication cover applications filed, registered designs, renewals, lapsed or removals from register and change of ownership of registered designs. Storage of information is in paper form. This publication can be accessed directly from the Zambia Patent Office or by subscription
III. Matters concerning classifying, reclassifying and indexing of industrial design information according to the classification systems applied
The Zambia Patent Office uses the Locarno classification system in classifying Industrial design applications.
The bibliographic data for Industrial Designs is by way of INID codes.
IV. Search file establishment and upkeep
File building is done manually i.e. in the register book and updating of information is done manually. Searched are done manually using the key word index and registers. Storage and updating of information is also done manually.
V. Activities in the field of computerized search systems for industrial designs
The Industrial Design information system is not yet automated.
VI. Administration of industrial design services available to the public (relating to facilities, e.g., for lodging applications, registering designs, assisting clients with search procedures, obtaining official publications and registry extracts)
Lodgement of Industrial Design applications and all attendant matters are done at the Zambia Patent Office at a prescribed fee. Information pertaining to designs is published in the journal and may be accessed and obtained from the Zambia Patent Office at a minimal fee. The Office also provides literature on how to obtain protection in Zambia.
VII. Matters concerning mutual exchange of industrial design documentation and information
The Zambia Patent Office receives gazettes on Industrial Designs from South Africa and ARIPO.
VIII. Matters concerning education and training including technical assistance to developing countries
The Office conducted several seminars, workshops and exhibitions in order create awareness on Industrial Design activities in Zambia.
IX. Other relevant matters