This survey collects information from Industrial Property Offices IPOs on their digital intake, processing, and publication practices. We are live with Madrid-ST. The office receives applications via web form, where applicants submit the bibliographic data and a PDF file is generated for the application.
Existing files can be imported and changed from the EUTM repository or downloaded drafts. Applicants can also attach additional documents to their applications. After the testing period, the Office is planning to make this service available to a wider group of interested customers, and extend it with more capabilities by the end of the year.
Paper format can still be accepted when the online services are unavailable. In the case of sequence listings, a searchable format such as TXT is currently required.
For applications submitted through e-filing, information is ingested through web form and then converted to XML for processing in the internal electronic processing system of our department i. Other supporting attachments should be in PDF format. The HIPO will accept sequence listing documents in. Supporting documents such as: - patent specification or plant variety technical questionnaire are ingested as PDF - trade mark and design images in limited image formats - national geographical indications definition as geospatial file.
Applicant submits amendments with underlines for insertions, and strikethroughs for deletions. Applicant submits new clean application documents, and Office uses a DOCX comparison tool to compare and markup changes, then a final copy is generated by the tool. Otherwise if no structured text then document is visually inspected. When pages of the submitted documents are replaced, the applicant sends a letter indicating the replacement.
