Where URLs are requested below, it is preferred that either URLs which are likely to remain stable over time (three years or more) are provided, or home (main) page URLs are provided with a short explanation of how to access the corresponding information.
The number of applications filed in 2004 was 678 and registration were 501.
Applications an increase of 12.62% as compared to the previous year. Registrations an increase of 3.08% in relation to the number of registration in 2003.
Trademarks advertisement is done by Government Printer through the Malawi Trademarks Journal.
The journal is published once a month.
Trademark information is stored on paper and in electronic format.
Word processing is done on typewriters.
Techniques used for the generation of trademark information are printing and recording.
The International Classification of goods and Services for the purpose of the registration of marks under the Nice Agreement is used.
No electronic classification systems in place.
No obligation
File and classification numbers are processed for search purposes.
Trademark documents in paper form are shelved according to their assigned file numbers.
Index card system for word marks is regularly updated for searches.
Storage is in both paper and electronic format.
Search is done locally.
Trademark database has been created.
Next year the office will be using IPRAS. Activities relating to WIPO's (IPRAS) Intellectual Property Registration and Administration System are underway and progressing.
The registration process, the examination for legality and the preparation of statistics is done by examining officers.
Compaq
Operating System name is MS Windows 2000 Professional
Version: 5.0
System model Compaq Desktop EN
Optical device: CD / DVD - ROM
Applications are lodged by clients through Agents. Personal aided search is allowed for interested applicants. All the necessary search is done within the office.
Local trade mark journals are arranged according to publication date and foreign trademark gazettes, according to publication number and kept in the library.
Computerized services available to the public includes CDs and DVDs from WIPO and Japanese Patent Office.
Trademark journals are sent to WIPO and ARIPO in paper form.Similary ARIPO Trademark journals are received on exchange basis, whereas Trademark world is received on subscription. Other publications and periodicals received on donations include: WIPO magazine, Intellectual Property Laws and Treaties, South African Intellectual Property Newsletter, Journal of the Japanese Group of AIPPI, Famous Trademarks in Japan, WHO drug Information.
The office receives CDs and DVDs from WIPO and Japan.
During the period under review, the office held two workshops sensitizing the business community on the importance of intellectual property rights.Office staff were guest speakers.
No training
No assistance to developing countries.
In the year 2004 three officers attended workshops and conferences in the following countries:-
(a ) WTO Regional Workshop on TRIPS for English Speaking Countries in Sandtown, Republic of South Africa.
(b) Jitap Subregional Workshop on the Dissemination of Toolkit for Module II on Reference Centres and National Enquiry Points in Gaborone, Botswana.
( c) WTO Council for TRIPS in Geneva, Switzerland.
(d) Ministerial Conference on Intellctual Property for Least Developed Countries in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
(e) WIPO 40th Series of Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland.