Search for articles you want to read
Chinese enterprises rank among the top three globally in submitting international trademark applications through the Madrid System.
Ma Fu, President of the China Trademark Association, stated at the Madrid Roundtable that amid profound adjustments in the global economic landscape, Chinese brands are accelerating their international expansion. Statistics show that in 2024, international trademark applications filed by Chinese enterprises through the Madrid System increased by 13.6% year-on-year, ranking among the top three globally.
Ma Fu noted that this data not only demonstrates the innovative vitality of Chinese enterprises but also reflects the value of the Madrid System as a one-stop channel for global trademark registration. Over the years, the China Trademark Association and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have strengthened communication and exchange through a series of joint activities, jointly promoting the application and practice of the Madrid System for international trademark registration in China. The China Trademark Association's Madrid Working Committee has actively participated in WIPO-related activities to enhance the international brand operations and Madrid trademark registration protection levels of Chinese enterprises. This effort advances the Madrid System from being merely available to being effectively utilized in China, thereby better serving Chinese users.
At the roundtable, Chen Hongbing, Director of the Operations Division at WIPO's Madrid International Registration Department, stated that as the only global service system with over 130 years of history, the Madrid System is undergoing gradual evolution. Currently, the system operates effectively, with continuously improving efficiency and user experience. The latest digital transformation achievement—eMadrid—serves as WIPO's digital gateway to the Madrid System. It is now utilized by trademark practitioners from over 130 countries to manage hundreds of thousands of Madrid international trademarks. This platform enables trademark professionals to centrally and securely submit and manage international trademark portfolios, delivering significant value.
More countries recognize WIPO’s International Patent Drafting Training Program
Innovation starts with an idea. Transforming that idea into a commercial asset requires expertise. A flourishing innovation ecosystem needs well-trained patent professionals who can help inventors translate their inventions into patents.
The International Patent Drafting Training Program (IPTDP) delivers exactly that. Since 2022, this Program has trained patent professionals from 59 countries with one goal: equipping them with the necessary skills to help inventors draft patent applications.
Over 100 professionals have completed this 8-month journey. The International Patent Drafting Training Program combines a comprehensive hands-on experience that takes a blended learning approach. It ends with a final examination to test their skills.
The Program was designed for countries to integrate it into their own training curriculum for patent professionals. Member States can officially recognize the Certificate awarded through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WIPO. IP Offices decide how to recognize the Program, for example as credits towards local certification or continuing education. This creates stronger incentives for participants to enhance their patent drafting skills.
Hungary and Paraguay officially recognized the IPTDP during the last WIPO General Assemblies. They join Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Serbia, and Uganda in offering their practitioners additional benefits.
What makes the International Patent Drafting Training Program different? The Program provides hands-on experience. Participants tackle real-world drafting challenges with mentorship from world-class patent drafters. This expertise helps new and emerging professionals pinpoint where they need to improve to build commercially valuable patents. They emerge from the program with solid skills needed to translate innovation into economic growth.
For inventors, this delivers access to better-trained patent experts who can guide them through the journey from creation to market-ready protection.
US jury says Apple must pay Masimo $634 million in smartwatch patent case
USPTO launches new Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program to further reduce patent pendency
ALEXANDRIA, VA—To further accelerate reductions of patent pendency and inventory, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced the launch of its Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program. Under this new initiative, certain pending utility patent applications that have no more than one independent claim and ten total claims may be advanced out of turn for their first Office action. Applicants may bring their applications into compliance with the pilot requirements by filing a preliminary amendment.
“Narrowly crafted claim sets empower examiners to dive deeper, faster,” said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “When applicants streamline their claims, they become collaborators in reducing backlog, trading extra claims for expedited feedback, and we gain the bandwidth to resolve more cases more quickly.”
Each Technology Center will accept approximately 200 applications into the pilot. To participate, an applicant must ensure their application meets the streamlined claim limits and file a petition to make special on Form PTO/SB/472.
For more information on the USPTO’s Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program, view the Federal Register Notice.
Stay current with the USPTO by subscribing to receive email updates through our Subscription Center.