Annual Technical Report 2005 on Industrial Design Information Activities submitted by Malawi (SCIT/ATR/ID/2005/MW)
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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
Changes experienced in terms of application filings and grants (registrations) with respect to the previous year
In 2005 the office received 45 applications whilst in 2004 we received 24 applications. In fact more applications were received in 2005 than in 2004. 13 designs were registered compared to 3 which were registered in 2004.
Trends or areas experiencing rapid changes with respect to the previous year
In 2005 the office did not receive renewals and 9 designs were withdrawn.
II. Matters concerning the generation, reproduction, and distribution of industrial design documents and of secondary sources of industrial design information, i.e., official gazettes
Publishing, including printing, copying techniques and electronic printing
Announcements of renewal are done through journals and information is kept in papers. Copies of journals are sent to ARIPO office, WIPO, and Japanese Patent Office.
Main types of announcements of the Office in the field of industrial design information
Announcements of renewal are done through journals and information is kept in papers. Copies of journals are sent to ARIPO office, WIPO, and Japanese Patent Office.
Mass storage media and microforms used
Information is kept in paper format.
Databases and office automation
Information is kept in shelves not in electronic format.
III. Matters concerning classifying, reclassifying and indexing of industrial design information according to the classification systems applied
Classification and reclassification activities; Classification system used, e.g., International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification), other classification (please indicate whether industrial designs are classified by your Office and, if so, which classification is used)
For the purpose of examination the International Classification for Industrial Designs (Locarno Classification) is used.
IV. Search file establishment and upkeep
File building
Applications and registered designs are recorded in the register.
Updating
Registers for applications and registered designs are updated regularly.
Storage, including mass storage media
Information is kept in paper format.
Documentation from other offices maintained and/or considered part of the available search file
The office receives WIPO magazine and ARIPO Journals.
V. Activities in the field of computerized search systems for industrial designs
In-house systems (online/offline)
Automation plan accumulating data in the database is in the pipeline.
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)
Planning, administration, automation, security
Applications are lodged by clients through Agents. No information in electronic format. Personal aided search is allowed for interested applicants. All the necessary search is done within the office.
VII. Matters concerning mutual exchange of industrial design documentation and information
International or regional cooperation in the exchange of industrial design information, e.g., in the form of official gazettes
Currently the Malawi Industrial Design registry only receives WIPO magazine and ARIPO Journal.
VIII. Matters concerning education and training including technical assistance to developing countries
Promotional activities (seminars, exhibitions, visits, advertising, etc.)
During the period under review, the office held one seminar.