Expansion of the WIPO Digital Access Service (DAS) to Trademarks and Industrial Designs

The Presidency of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has announced a significant expansion of the Digital Access Service (DAS) for priority documents, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This expansion will now include trademark applications and industrial designs.

Resolution P-262, dated August 17, 2023, and published in the Official Gazette on August 23, 2023, sets forth the implementation dates: as of September 1, 2023, INPI will have access to foreign priority documents in the context of trademark and design applications. Subsequently, from November 1, 2023, INPI will act as a depositing office under the DAS for these same categories.

Until now, the DAS applied solely to patent and utility model applications. Considering the progress brought about by the implementation of that initiative, and in order to benefit those managing industrial property rights through INPI, the decision was made to now incorporate trademarks and industrial designs.

This expansion of the DAS to trademarks and industrial designs has been supported by the National Trademark Office and the Office of Industrial Models and Designs, both of which have given their approval. The measure aims to streamline and simplify procedures for applicants filing for trademark and design protection, thereby promoting greater efficiency in the management of industrial property rights.

In summary, the extension of the Digital Access Service for Priority Documents simplifies and enhances processes related to industrial property rights in Argentina, benefiting practitioners working in the fields of trademarks and industrial designs