As of 2 February 2015 the Italian Patent and Trademark Office has opened a new chapter in its history by finally introducing a system which affords the opportunity for any applicant, whether an individual, a registered company or a patent/trademark attorney, to file applications for new patents, trademarks, or industrial designs on line.
With the new system matters not only applications but also requests for trademark renewals, as well as translations of European patents, can now be filed through a special section of the Italian Patent and Trademark Office website. To access the service users require a registered email address as well as an electronic signature. Registration is however straightforward and can be carried out by following the simple instructions on the Office’s portal.
Even the payment of fees relating to registration, filing and renewal of IP rights has been streamlined : the amounts will now be calculated automatically during the filing process, and can be paid directly through an online banking system, replacing the traditional payment by postal order. In addition, the system promises a real-time updating of databases on industrial property.
The more traditional form of paper filing with the IPTO or with the different Italian offices of the Italian Chambers of Commerce, are still available.
The new system is undoubtedly a step forward in terms of simplifying the procedure for the applicant, and it is hoped in terms of greater efficiency for the Office in the management of the high number of applications that need to be processed.
Streamlining bureaucracy for the filing of applications for industrial property rights should not however mislead those who want to protect an idea or a brand in their business activities, suggesting the idea of a “self service” style filing.
The scope of protection conferred by the title, once granted, depends on how the application was completed. The filing for an application for the grant of an IP right (be it a patent, a trademark or a registered model) requires skill and expertise particularly in identifying how best to protect the strengths of the invention, the innovative aspects of a design or the features (wording and logo etc., ) of a trade mark. This positive development in the administrative efficiency of the application procedure for patent, trademark and industrial design applications, should not be seen as a new “DIY opportunity” for private individuals and companies to register and file their intellectual property rights. IP protect is often complex and the support of skilled professionals is strongly advisable especially to prevent inexperienced users from encountering difficulties later down the road to long term IP protection and Enforcement. This streamlining of applications is however a positive innovation for the Italian Patent and Trademark Office and will be welcomed by the entire Italian IP Community.