A key feature of IPAS4 will be online registration. Once operational,
users will be able to access the system from anywhere and submit registrations
without having to visit the IPI in person — a significant improvement that has
been long awaited. No official launch date has been announced yet, as the IPI
and WIPO are still working on implementation.
Concerns Raised
While online registration offers clear
advantages, several issues were discussed during the session:
- Data
security and sovereignty: IPAS4 will be hosted in the
cloud rather than on IPI’s physical infrastructure, raising questions
about vulnerability to cybercrime and compliance with the government’s
policy that public institution data must be hosted within the national
territory.
- Confidentiality: Calls were
made to ensure robust protection of user information.
- System
integration: Stakeholders recommended linking IPAS4
with other public databases, such as the Legal Entities Registry Office
(trade names), CIUEM (domain registration), and INTIC (copyright).
- Access
rights: Currently, only right holders or
officially registered IP agents (AOPIs) may file applications. Will the
new system allow anyone with access to file?
- Coexistence
with manual registration: It remains unclear whether
physical/manual filings will be discontinued or run alongside the online
system.
Next Steps
The IPI Director General assured participants
that all concerns would be considered. Certain adjustments to the Industrial
Property Code and related regulations will be required to ensure the system
functions correctly. In due course, the IPI will share documents for public
comment, inviting contributions from AOPIs and other stakeholders.
