We are pleased to  advise you of the recent information announced by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) regarding the electronic patent certificates. In order to enhance the digital technology services and achieve the energy saving and carbon reduction effects, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) will begin issuing electronic patent certificates on January 1, 2023. The said electronic certificates including the TIPO’s exclusive digital signature can hardly be forged and will be more conveniently authenticated. Considering that some patentees are still used to paper certificates, the TIPO will still provide applicants with the option to order the certificates in electronic or paper format at the initial stage of the implementing the electronic certificate system. The format and text of either the electronic certificate or

An effective interview can expedite the patent examination process. However, applicants may not always be available to be interviewed at TIPO in person or join video interviews at TIPO service centers. From March 1, 2022, Applicants and patent agents are able to select a remote location to conduct trilateral video interviews at their convenience with the help of communication technology. Released by TIPO

Samples of request forms released last year (May 2021) are updated to conform to the electronic request forms currently in use. In brief: Amending outdated samples of request forms. Amending wording and case study. Adjusting cover page and layout. Released by TIPO

Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 is considered a collective goal by the global community, and as such, TIPO has set up a dedicated Net Zero Emissions IP Info section to provide information on green technologies and AEP requests for related patents, including: AEP Requests for Green Technologies: The scope of eligibility for the Accelerated Examination Program has been revised and expanded from “green-energy technologies” to encompass “green technologies”, and the examination time has been shortened from nine to six months. Green Technology Patent Analysis: Includes the Carbon Reduction Technology Development Patent Map, as well as patent analysis reports for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, electric assisted bicycles, smart grid, off-shore wind energy. Quick Green Technology Patent Search: Established the “Green Technology Section” in the Global

The Taiwan-Japan MoU on Electronic Patent Priority Document Exchange (PDX) was signed in 2013, applicable to both invention and utility model patent applications. As the PDX program has been put to extensive use by applicants from both countries since its implementation, an additional MoU on Design Patent Priority Document Exchange was signed in 2019. Upon its implementation, by providing an alternative to mailing paperwork, the PDX program can increase application efficiency and streamline cross-country application procedures. Broadening the scope of the bilateral PDX cooperation has also made the exchange mechanism between Taiwan and Japan progressively comprehensive and robust. Starting from January 1, 2022, a design patent applicant will be deemed to have filed a priority document if he/she provides an access code issued by the

Since 2009, TIPO has entrusted Taiwan-CA Inc. to be responsible for issuing electronic ID. Users get the password in paper via mail after filling in request forms online and submitting required documents to the office in charge. To be time-saving and be at users’ convenience, effective on Jan. 1, 2022, password of the electronic ID will be sent to users via e-mail instead. Users can change the password afterwards according to the instructions given in the e-mail. Released by TIPO

The Guide, presented in the form of a video, consists of 12 topics covering the fields of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. By featuring scenarios most concerning to industries or frequently encountered situations, the video disseminates relevant and crucial intellectual property knowledge, starting from R&D, the application process, IPR protection, to means to acquire further information regarding IP. Released by TIPO

Accommodating to the guide to Design Patent Priority Document Exchange Program with JPO amended and released on Nov. 24, 2021, section where indicating priority document(s) to be obtained via electronic exchange is added to the request forms to facilitate applicants’ use. Both the design patent request form and the application guide amended for applicants’ use can be downloaded from TIPO’s website. Released by TIPO

Since January 1, 2021, TIPO has been implementing the “Positive Patent Examination Pilot Program for Startups” to offer assistance in evaluating patent acquisition probability and provide advice on ways to promptly obtain patent rights. Upon receiving positive responses to the results of the pilot program, TIPO has decided to amend and conduct it for an additional year. Moreover, during the pilot program of 2022, there is a cap of 6 applications each month and a limit of 5 applications per startup per year. Released by TIPO

Taiwan and Korea signed an MoU on Electronic Exchange of Priority Document (PDX) for Design Patents on November 12, 2021, following the collaboration between Taiwan and Japan on Design Patent Priority Document Exchange in 2019. Through bilateral cooperation between the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office and the Korean Intellectual Property Office, applicants are exempt from submitting priority documents in hard copy. Priority Documents are required in the event that a subsequent patent application is filed with a priority claim. Under the MoU on the Exchange of Industrial Property Information and the Electronic Exchange of Priority Documents signed in 2015, the PDX program has been applicable to invention and utility model patent applications. As the aforementioned program has been put to extensive use by applicants from both countries