For IP professionals
This is the portal for professionals working in the field of intellectual property. Here you'll find direct access to all necessary resources.
Quick links
- Trade Mark Database
- Register changes for trade marks
- Swissreg
- Madrid Monitor
- TMview
- E-trademark
- International trade mark registration
- Trade Mark Guidelines (German, French, Italian)
- Classification tool for trade marks
- Trade mark examination support tool
- Trade marks: Costs and fees
- Trade marks: WIPO fee calculator
- Cancellation procedure for trade marks on the grounds of non-use
- Protected public signs: Abbreviations
- Protected public signs: Other signs (emblems)
- Directory of Intellectual Property Offices
- Trade marks: News Service Archive
- Patents: Patent Examination Guidelines (German, French)
- Patents: Fees
Blockchain
A ‘blockchain’ can be thought of as a virtual register, whereby not only the data it contains is recorded in the register, but also its changes. The register is then encrypted and stored decentrally, i.e. on all user computers participating in the blockchain. Due to this multiple storage, no subsequent changes can be made to the data blocks, which guarantees a high level of security and makes the use of central intermediaries (e.g. banks) obsolete.
Blockchains are a useful tool in the field of intellectual property. For example, because of their unambiguous dating, they can be used as a basis for proof of manufacture. They can also be used to digitally manage and enforce intellectual property rights or to conclude licences and pay fees in real time. These possibilities can lead to efficiency gains in the fight against trade mark and product piracy, or the fair distribution of royalties in the music industry. However, before it can be used, it must be clarified whether blockchain technology meets the security requirements of sensitive data.
Sources/further reading:
Events
19.01.2023 | Law and policy, Event
Conference on Intellectual Property & Sustainability at the University of Geneva
...more