Annual Technical Report 2002 on Trademark Information Activities submitted by United Kingdom (SCIT/ATR/TM/2002/GB)
Where URLs are requested below, it is preferred that either URLs which are likely to remain stable over time (three years or more) are provided, or home (main) page URLs are provided with a short explanation of how to access the corresponding information.
I. Evolution of registration activities
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National Applications
2001 Applications: 26,762 Classes: 33,187
2002 Applications: 27,236 Classes: 32,186
An increase of 2% over 2001.
International designations
2001 9,911 Classes: 16,003
2002 8,771 Classes: 12,496
A decrease of 11%.
Trends or areas experiencing rapid changes with respect to the previous year
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The UK Trade Marks Journal (TMJ) is published weekly in electronic form. The TMJ is edited on a desk top publishing system comprising QuickSilver software which is currently running on Network connected PCs. The majority of data contained in the TMJ is transferred automatically from the OPTICS mainframe system which contains bibliographic data of all pending and registered domestic trade marks. OPTICS also generates a picking list of domestic figurative marks which are obtained from the IBIS image database.
Designations received under the Madrid Protocol are also published for opposition. This data is obtained from a separate system specifically designed for handling International Registrations called TMAD.
The electronic TMJ is searchable by image, class, proprietor and agent. A downloadable printed list in PDF format is available and the Journal is also be available on a CD.
Main types of announcements of the Office in the field of trademark information
The following announcements are published relating to individual trade marks in the Trade Marks Journal:
Trade marks accepted and published for opposition
Trade marks amended after publication
Trade marks published but not proceeding
Errata
Trade marks entered on the register
Trade mark registrations renewed
Trade mark registrations expired
Trade Marks expired and removed from the register
Trade marks restored to record
Mergers of trade marks
Divisions of Trade Marks
Names and addresses altered in the register
Amendment of a registration
Rectification
Revocation
Address for service altered
Cancellation and partial cancellation
Assignments
Licences entered on the register
Licences cancelled
Licences amended
Licensees names altered on the register
Security interests noted on the register.
In addition, notices which communicate with customers on matters of trade mark practice, office procedures, public holidays, contact details of middle and senior managers and general enquiry points are published on the Internet.
Word processing and office automation
All staff in the UK Designs Registry are equipped with networked Pentium 4 PCs which are connected to a local area network running IntraNetWare 6.5. Standard office automation products available to all staff include Microsoft Office products such as Word and Novell GroupWise for e-mail.
An object orientated system is available for generating examination reports. This uses DAIS, a CORBA compliant object request broker, to manage the acquisition of bibliographic data from the OPTICS mainframe and the image data and its inclusion in a WordPerfect report. This system is known as TERN. The image database IBIS is based on Documentum but is customised to our own requirements. The IBIS system allows for viewing of bibliographic information in addition to figurative details.
The Patent Office runs its own internal and external Web pages powered by Sun UNIX systems. Access to the Trade Mark information on the OPTICS Mainframe system has been provided using a product called Casablanca. All Trade Marks staff have access via their desktop.
Techniques used for the generation of trademark information (printing, recording, photocomposing, etc.)
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The office has two systems for word searching. Our principle word search system is the Marksman system used under licence from the Swedish Patent Office. We also use our internal OPTICS system.
Figurative marks are searched using the IBIS system by Vienna keys and class.
IV. Trademark manual search file establishment and upkeep
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The OPTICS system is the principle system for the management of our domestic applications, holding, in addition to the bibliographic details of marks, a record of all forms filed on a case together with an indication of whether or not they have actions outstanding. Designations received under the Madrid Protocol are held and managed on the TMAD system. Details of all Community Trade Marks are held on the OHIM system
Statistics and other management information is produced from the OPTICS, TERN and TMAD systems.
VI. Administration of trademark services available to the public (relating to facilities, e.g., for lodging applications, registering trademarks, assisting clients with search procedures, obtaining official publications and registry extracts)
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The UK Patent Office website contains downloadable copies of all our forms along with instructions for completion and details of any fees payable. Copies of legal decisions, relevant legislation and copies of our reference material such as guides for examiners are also available. A range of searches are available via the web site including a text search. Listings of all marks refused are also available.
Information relating to trade marks is available through a UK wide system of Patent Information Libraries and printed information is made freely available on request. Our Central Enquiry Unit offers advice via a telephone call “Lo Call” number.
VII. Matters concerning mutual exchange of trademark documentation and information
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IX. Other relevant matters