Annual Technical Report 2004 on Trademark Information Activities submitted by Zambia (SCIT/ATR/TM/2004/ZM)
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I. Evolution of registration activities
In the year 2004, the Zambia Patent Office received 791 Trademark applications compared to 670 that were received in 2003. This was necessitated by the vigorous campaigns, which were conducted during the year. While the total number of trademark applications increased, the number of national applications by both locals and non-residents decreased due to Trademark application filed using of Madrid system designating Zambia. There has been an increase in the number of applications from residents of late as compared to previous years.
II. Matters concerning the generation, reproduction, and distribution of secondary sources of trademark information, i.e., trademark gazettes
The Zambia Patent and Trade Marks Journal, published on the 25th of every month, is the official publication for trademarks in Zambia. This publication can be accessed directly from the Zambia Patent Office or by subscription. Announcements in this publication cover applications filed, traded marks accepted, registered marks, renewals, lapsed or removals from register, assignments and license recordals. Storage of information is in paper and electronic form.
III. Matters concerning classifying, reclassifying and indexing of trademark information
Trademark applications are classified using the International Classification of Goods and Services (NICE Classification). The Office does not use electronic classification system. Applications are obliged to use pre-defined terms of the classification applied. The IPAS system was introduced in our Office in September 2004. Since then, most of the data have been captured and processing of searches is being done electronically, using this facility.
The bibliographic data for trademarks is by way of INID codes.
IV. Trademark manual search file establishment and upkeep
File building is done manually i.e. in the register book and updating of information is done manually. Searches are done manually using the key word index and registers. Storage and updating of information is also done manually.
V. Activities in the field of computerized trademark search systems
The Trademark information system is automated. Most of the Office documents i.e. lodgement certificates, acceptance proofs, certificates of registration, official notifications, renewal certificates, assignments, registered user etc., are produced using the Industrial Property automation System (IPAS). This system was funded by WIPO and became operational in September 2004.
VI. Administration of trademark services available to the public (relating to facilities, e.g., for lodging applications, registering trademarks, assisting clients with search procedures, obtaining official publications and registry extracts)
Lodgement of Trademark applications and all attendant matters are done at the Zambia Patent Office at a prescribed fee. Information pertaining to trademarks is published in the journal and may be accessed and obtained from the Zambia Patent Office at a minimal fee. The Office also provides literature on how to obtain trademark protection in Zambia.
VII. Matters concerning mutual exchange of trademark documentation and information
The Zambia Patent Office receives gazettes on trademarks from Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, ARIPO and WIPO. The Office also send journals to IP Offices on reciprocal basis.
VIII. Matters concerning education and training including technical assistance to developing countries
The Office conducted several seminars, workshops and exhibitions in order create awareness on trademark activities in Zambia.
IX. Other relevant matters