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You are here  ABOUT INTA    Committee Involvement 
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Trademark Office Practices Committee (TOPC) Print
Evaluates trademark office practices, procedures operations and regulations at the national, regional and international levels; develops and advocates  policies to improve such practices, operations and regulations.
  • Asia & Pacific/Canada TMO Relations: Monitor the operations and procedures and assist INTA in building relations with Trademark Offices in the Asia & Pacific region and Canada (except for China). Issues to cover include examination and classification procedures, technical assistance and funding opportunities, and benchmarking studies of offices within the region.

  • Central & South Asia TMO Relations: Monitor the operations and procedures and assist INTA in building relations with Trademark Offices in the Central and South Asia region. Issues to cover include examination and classification procedures, technical assistance and funding opportunities, and benchmarking studies of offices within the region.

  • China Trademark Office Subcommittee: Monitor the operations and procedures of the China Trademark Office (CTMO) and the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB), and make recommendations on how to improve their efficiency. Conduct an analysis of examiner resources vis-a-vis case workload as well as pendency with regard to trademark applications and oppositions at the CTMO. Working with other INTA TOPC subcommittees, provide the CTMO and the TRAB with information on international best practices in trademark office and trademark review/appeals procedures. Coordinate with other INTA committees on necessary action to address issues of concern to the CTMO, such as the progress of the draft trademark law and examination guidelines. Monitor the protection of GIs under the framework of trademark law protection and the resolution of conflicts with other administrative regulations/rules, and provide comments and opinion if and when such conflicts arise.

  • Madrid System Subcommittee: Completion, verification and regular update of Survey regarding the local practice in relation to International Registrations under the Madrid Protocol and publication of results on the INTA website. Interaction and feedback with USPTO Subcommittee and other appropriate INTA subcommittees in order to monitor issues or problems encountered by trademark owners using the Madrid Protocol. Continuous legal education with respect to the Madrid System, i.e. to analyze and comment on practical aspects and any proposed changes to the Common Regulations and procedures for the Madrid System under WIPO by means of preparing articles for the INTA Bulletin. Institutional and political support with respect to the Madrid Protocol, i.e. Support INTA staff in encouraging additional countries and regional trademark systems to accede to the Madrid Protocol; Maintain contacts in countries adhering to the Madrid Protocol to ensure that INTA is aware of local policies and has an opportunity to assist, review and comment on issues that affect implementation or procedure under the Protocol; Develop and maintain working relationship with WIPO to address issues that may arise in the future.

  • OAPI/ARIPO Subcommittee: Following the implementation of the revised Bangui Accord and Administrative Instructions, continue to monitor the impact of changes on the registration procedure, and provide recommendations for future reviews. Continue to monitor the possibility of OAPI joining the Madrid Protocol and provide materials that have been generated by INTA’s Madrid Subcommittee of the Trademark Office Practices Committee. Following the adoption of revisions to the Banjul Protocol on Marks within ARIPO, continue to monitor the impact of changes on the operation of the registration system, and provide recommendations for future reviews. Continue to urge ARIPO member countries to ratify the Banjul Protocol and monitor the national laws of member countries to ensure enforceability of Banjul Protocol rights and TRIPS compliance. Encourage new potential member states to join OAPI or ARIPO. Provide OAPI and ARIPO with materials and assistance for their Training Centers.

  • OHIM Subcommittee: Provide comments on proposed amendments to the CTM Regulations, guidelines, practice decisions and communications, etc. as they are issued by the European Commission and OHIM. Monitor the day-to-day running of OHIM. Continue to provide feedback to OHIM on the quality and performance of its operations and how they can be improved. This should also include the quality of outsourced services like translation services etc. Keep the INTA membership informed of significant CTM developments through periodic updates in the INTA Bulletin and on the Web site. Provide comments on the practice concerning the Madrid Protocol, review and comment on consequent amendments to the Regulation, forms, etc. Monitor the practice of extension of CTMS and CDs (Community Designs) and their enforcement following the enlargement of the EU, and liaise on emerging issues with the LRC Europe Subcommittee with appropriate feedback to INTA members. Monitor the practice of conversions and the relevant practice in member states and report on problems concerning the implementation rules in national law. Develop close relationship with OHIM through attending OAMI User Group meetings, INTA-OHIM Focus meetings, and meetings with OHIM officials at INTA Annual and Leadership meetings.

  • USPTO Subcommittee: Monitor performance of Examining Operations and TTAB and maintain dialogue with and provide feedback to USPTO Officials as may be indicated on same. Maintain dialogue with USPTO managers and examiners with respect to examination practice and procedure. Analyze and reply to USPTO requests for comment issued concerning examination and TTAB practice. Participate as speakers and recommend topics for INTA-sponsored Roundtables for USPTO trademark examiners. Monitor progress of USPTO technological issues and updates relative to electronic processing of applications and registrations. Keep the INTA membership informed of significant developments in US registration process and procedure through periodic updates in the INTA Bulletin and on the Website.

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