These are the General Principles for the Implementation of the Digital Access Service for Priority Documents, as set out in Annex II of WIPO/DAS/PD/WG/2/4.
1. Business need
(a) The fundamental requirement is to allow applicants to meet priority document requirements of Offices of second filing without having to physically obtain and submit certified copies with each of them.
(b) The system will enable voluntary participation by Offices of or acting for any ParisUnionMemberState, regardless of membership of other Treaties, taking into account the different capacities of Offices.
(c) Offices will be able to choose to obtain priority documents under an arrangement with the International Bureau as an alternative to multiple bilateral arrangements.
(d) The system must provide performance improvements and efficiencies for applicants, Offices and the International Bureau over traditional Paris Convention and paper‑based arrangements.
2. Network model
(a) Non-duplication of systems: The system will make use of digital libraries in which Offices hold priority documents. The International Bureau's digital library will hold priority documents from Offices which do not maintain their own.
(b) Interoperability: Common protocols and meta-information will be used to ensure that priority documents can be accessed in the same manner irrespective of the digital library in which they are held, be it the International Bureau's, under TDA, or another.
3. Flexibility: The system will allow a wide range of combinations of packaging channels (including paper, physical media (CD-R and DVD), SFTP and TDA) and document format (including paper, ST.36, PCT minimal specification (based on PDF and TIFF) and SDIF) in order to ensure that all existing systems for exchanging priority documents are accommodated. The system will permit the transformation of format in order to facilitate interoperability.
4. Secure data transmissions: The security of data transmissions will be at least equivalent to the levels that apply in the systems operating in the context of the PCT for the exchange of sensitive data.
5. Confidentiality: There must be an appropriate mechanism, in relation to priority documents that are not publicly available, for ensuring that access is given to Offices of second filing only where authorized by the applicant. This will be implemented by an access control list managed by the applicant, normally through the service's website, but alternatively by sending the required details to the International Bureau or the Office of first filing if the applicant does not have access to the Internet.
6. Translations and other documents: The system will enable applicants to deposit certified translations of priority documents in a digital library for making them accessible to Offices of second filing under generally similar arrangements to those for priority documents. Further work is needed to address the implications of different Offices' certification requirements for translations, the possibility of obtaining translations from other sources, and the possible use of the system for other associated documents, for example, documents confirming the right of priority, in particular where the right is transferred to other persons.
7. Efficiency
(a) Avoid duplication: Duplication of work, data holdings and information between the International Bureau and Offices will be avoided. This applies in particular to existing digital libraries such as under TDA arrangements.
(b) Improve technical capacity: The system will be geared to handle large volumes of data and data transmissions, with appropriate speed of uploading and downloading, with built-in flexibility to cater to potentially increased needs in the future.
(c) Transparency: WIPO's website will provide up-to date details about the system, including the conceptual framework, the nature and scope of participation by Offices in the system, the location of priority document holdings, Office requirements and operational details, including changes in those things.
8. Developing countries: The International Bureau will provide technical assistance and adequate capacity building to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, based on discussion of their individual needs, to facilitate their participation in the system.
9. Charges: The International Bureau will not charge a fee for use of the service.