Nigerian IP Registry Goes Digital

The Nigerian Registry for Trademarks, Patents and Designs is steadily moving into the digital age.

The Intellectual Property Automated System (IPAS) which launched in January 2014 was the first major milestone in the effort to transform the Nigerian IP registration landscape. The IPAS was a leap forward in enhancing the quality of examinations, decisions and services offered to applicants and the general public, giving investors the confidence to invest in Nigeria. At its launch, the systems efficiency elicited positive comments from WIPO Project Manager Hisham Fayed who stated that the automated system would not only help in improving the speed of the application for patents, trademarks and industrial designs, it will also enhance the quality of the service that will be provided to the applicants.

The real results from the introduction of IPAS are in the release of two editions of the Industrial Property Automated Systems (IPAS) journals in May 2015 shortly after the new Registrar took Office as well as the news that plans were underway to fully digitize the Nigerian Registry for Trademarks, Patents & Designs.

The digitization will start with a data capture exercise and it is hoped once the process is completed that the creation of a digitized database will modernize and accelerate registration process, service delivery in the Registry, improve on the credibility of documents issued by the Registry, facilitate the conduct of electronic searches by both the Registry and stakeholders and further boost investors confidence the protection of their intellectual property in Nigeria.

Recognizing the interminability of the digitization process, the Registry has requested that applicants demonstrate understanding and co-operation during this process and ensures that all applicant/right holder records with the Registry will be promptly updated or renewed on/or before 28 September 2015.

It is hoped that in the near future, searching for information from the Nigerian Registry will be just a click away from anywhere in the world.

For more information, please contact Chidimma Igilige.