RSA: CIPRO trade mark update & SAIIPL AGM

According to feedback from the CIPRO trade mark liason meeting held on 3 September involving CIPRO and representatives of the major IP firms:

1. CIPRO is testing a declining balance system for searches with a view to formally implementing it.

2. Requests for expediting the issuing of certificates will only be entertained in two circumstances, namely if the certificate is specifically required for litigation proceedings or if the certificate is required to obtain a foreign application in the US, for example. In both instances the request has to be sent with a motivation and supporting documents.

3. The major firms are still busy with a project to clear the backlog of outstanding official actions, outstanding notices of acceptance and outstanding certificates.

This form of assistance (esp 3. above) between major firms (at their own expense) and CIPRO has been going on for many years with a view to improving the effectiveness of the National Office. However, despite the assistance, CIPRO still struggles with backlogs, ineffeciencies and staffing problems.

Meantime, SAIIPL has issued a formal notice of the 2008 Annual General Meeting of the Institute to be held at the Misty Hills Country Estate, Muldersdrift on Saturday, 8 November 2008 at 10:00.