The Pros and Cons of the proposed New Trademark Online Filing Platform in Nigeria.
- cbunyan7
- Feb 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Introduction
There are two filing systems in Nigeria, the Online filing system and IPAS, the Intellectual Property Automated System. These systems are channels used by applicants to file trademark and other maintenance applications in Nigeria. The systems were introduced in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Prior to 2012, trademark applications in Nigeria were filed manually (paper filings). Though functional, this system was slow, problematic and rift with losses and mismanagement of documents. Agents faced numerous challenges, hence the intervention of the supervising Ministry.
Genesis
The Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Supervising Ministry of the Registries, in September, 2012 introduced the online filing system for the first time in Nigeria in order to tackle the problems associated with the manual system.
The first online platform created under this system was user-friendly and highly functional with an easy-to-use interface for both the agents and the staff.
However, in September 2020, a second and the current online platform was introduced with the aim to upgrade the old platform. Unfortunately, instead of improving on the first platform, the current platform has fallen short of expectation, creating and generating more problems at various turns rather than resolving them.
Bitter-Sweet
The current filing platform turned into misery for everyone, though compared to the manual system of filing Trademark applications, it is relatively a better system, but a far cry from the first online platform.
However, it can boast of automatic issuance of filing receipts at the time of filing the application and issuance of registration certificates within a reasonable timeframe. Otherwise, the platform is a massive failure.
Really Bad
As much as that a few changes were made on the current online platform, Agents and Staff are faced with numerous challenges from using the platform. They problems include:
1. Disappearance of Trademark Applications after payment of filing fees without trace and no means of retrieving the application or payment.
2. Agents are unable to file recordal applications, such as assignment, merger, etc. as no such provisions was made on the platform
3. Notices of opposition cannot be filed through the platform
4. Searches cannot be conducted on the platform.
5. Inability to access applications made on the old filing platform.
6. Successful office actions cannot be revised and acceptance letters issued.
These problems have brought a standstill in what should have been an easy-to-run platform. Worse still, there are no available options and Applicants are left out in the cold.
Third time lucky?
Recently, there have been efforts to introduce a new and a third online platform, with the intention of completely over hauling the current online platform. The Registrar of Trademarks have promised stakeholders that the new platform will address the shortcomings of the current platform. If properly designed, the proposed platform will ensure the smooth processing of applications.
However, a failure to properly address the shortcomings of the current platform in the proposed platform will be another waste of money, time, and a disaster for trademark prosecutions in Nigeria.
My Take
It is expected that the proposed new online platform will address the problems currently been encountered on the current online platform.
Also, the Registry MUST ensure that both the old, current and proposed platforms are merged or at least a data migration from the the old and current platforms to the proposed platform, therefore making it possible to access trademarks filed at the inception of online system to date.
Further, the proposed platform MUST provide online publication of trademark journals and completely eliminate paper publications.
Anything less, will be a colossal failure.
Recent Posts
See AllThe Federal High Court of Nigeria recently made a landmark judgement which should permanently resolve the conflicts between registered...
The Nigerian Trademark Office (TMO) commenced online applications of IP matters in 2012 as a result of the failure of the old manual...
The Nigeria Patent law provides for formal examination of Patents as against substantive examination in most developed countries....
Accounting assignment help provides expert guidance on financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and budgeting. Professionals assist students with complex calculations, financial statements, and analysis, ensuring accuracy, plagiarism-free solutions, and better grades through well-structured and thoroughly researched assignments tailored to academic requirements.
I’m so glad I used Research Proposal Writing Services for my PhD proposal. I had difficulty narrowing down my research focus and organizing my ideas. Their team provided a detailed and well-researched proposal that covered my objectives, literature review, and methodology in a clear and professional way. The content was properly referenced and followed my university’s guidelines. Their support team was also helpful and kept me updated throughout the process. Thanks to their expertise, my supervisor was highly impressed, and my proposal was accepted without revisions. I would definitely recommend their services to UK students seeking reliable academic support!
Using Custom Dissertation Help UK was the best decision I made during my final year. I was struggling with data analysis and structuring my chapters, but their expert team handled everything perfectly. The dissertation was detailed, well-researched, and aligned with my professor’s requirements. They provided clear explanations for complex concepts, which helped me understand my own work better. The customer support team was always available, and they ensured all my requests were addressed. Thanks to their help, I achieved a high grade and felt much more confident throughout the process. I highly recommend this service for any UK student in need!
If you're having trouble keeping up, you might want to think about take my online law class. Professional tutors can help you stay on track academically by managing discussions, assignments, and tests. Professional guidance is vital because law courses require a thorough comprehension of intricate topics, case studies, and legal frameworks. You can accomplish your academic objectives while concentrating on other priorities by outsourcing your coursework.
A strong SOP can define your academic journey, and with SOP Writing Service, you get a personalized, well-crafted statement. Let New Assignment Help UK help you create a winning SOP. Connect with Help With My Assignment now and take the first step toward success!