Hong Kong IP office to issue electronic Certificates of Registration beginning on June 28, 2024
21 June 2024
Janette Li, Associate, Davies Collison Cave, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (HK IPD) will begin issuing electronic Certificates of Registration, replacing paper certificates on June 28, 2024, for trademark, patent and design applications by registered e-filers.
In particular, the electronic certificates will be issued for the following:
- Trademark applications published for acceptance on or after March 15, 2024
- Patent applications published for grant on or after June 28, 2024
- Design applications published on or after June 28, 2024
According to Janette Li, an associate at Davies Collison Cave in Hong Kong, not only is this a good step for the HK IPD towards going digital, but it is also in line with the practice of many other IP offices.
Owen Gee, Managing Principal, Davies Collison Cave, Hong Kong
“In the past, when paper certificates were lost, these could not be reissued; only copies or certified copies of register entries or extracts could be requested. The risk of losing electronic certificates should be minimal. There are also positive environmental benefits to issuing electronic certificates instead of paper certificates,” said Owen Gee, managing principal at Davies Collison Cave in Hong Kong.
However, Li believes the HK IPD can do more. “While registered e-filers like DCC can lodge submissions by electronic means through HK IPD’s electronic filing services system, original physical copies of evidence, such as statutory declarations or affidavits and any exhibits, notarial certificates, in relation to certain proceedings before the Registrar must be lodged with the Registry,” she explained.
The HK IPD can still issue a Paper Certificate of Registration if an e-filer prefers it over an electronic certificate, provided the e-filer submits a written request.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
