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 expression "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models. Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.
Year 2005:
Total Design Applications Filed: 674
Total Design Registrations: 578
Year 2006:
Total Design Applications Filed: 467
Total Design Registrations: 416
In 2006, the number of Design applications and registrations diminished by 30% and 28% respectively compared to 2005.
Lists of designs which have been registered, renewed or corrected are entered in the Register of Designs kept at the Patent Office. The new computerized system i.e. Industrial Property Automation System (IPAS) has been implemented by WIPO-funded project.
Design applications are currently classified according to the National Classification which contains 14 numbers of classes.
None
The Pakistan registration process does include a novelty search and examiners are able to raise objections against application if their knowledge is such that they are aware that the design is not new.
No documentation from other offices is maintained or considered part of any search files.
Searches are undertaken in a number of ways. Bibliographic details are held on the IPAS. Designs images and associated bibliographic details are maintained on the internal Manual System which is used for searching within the office.
No external databases are searched.
All Pakistan Designs Registry staff are equipped with networked Pentium 4 PCs running the Windows XP operating system attached to a local area network. Standard automation products available to all staff include Microsoft Office products such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
Applications for design registration can be made by post or in person to the Head Office at Karachi or the Regional Office at Lahore.
Bibliographic details of applications are captured and design images scanned onto the IPAS system but the industrial design is maintained in secrecy by law, even after registration.
The Patent Office web site provides a wide range of information including the benefits of design registration, procedure for registration, relevant laws and guidelines for applicants. All currently used forms are available in pdf format along with guidance on completion and applicable fee information.
Guidelines for applicants are also available in printed guidebook and through Karachi Office. A search of registered designs is available on payment of a fee.
There is no formal exchange of documentation or information.
Seminars were held in various institutions including Chambers of Commerce and Industry as a part of awareness campaign of IPO-Pakistan. Flexi banners have been displayed at the international airports of the country.