IP Progress and Recent Developments
Intellectual Property Progress and Recent Developments
- This is the third time Kiribati will participate in celebrating the Intellectual Property Day through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives in April. Since the 26th of April, 2020 falls on a Sunday, the main event is rescheduled to be celebrated on Friday, 24th April, 2020. The theme for the day is “Innovate for a Green Future.” Responsible staffs are now busy with preparations, and there is an expectation that upon confirmation and finalization of activity arrangements for the event, awareness and drama show will be conducted soon through media, visiting High Schools and tertiaries prior this event in order to widen public awareness on the Intellectual Property Day, relevant important roles and administered laws of the Intellectual Property.
- In 2019, IPR awareness had been conducted to outer islands such as Tabiteuea, Arorae, Butaritari and Beru.
Endorsement and Implementation of the National Intellectual Property Strategy (NIPS) 2017 is in progress with the review and amendment of all out-dated Intellectual Property Law reflected below:
|
Review of all outdated IPR / Implementation of IPR legislations |
Status |
Commencement Dates |
Comment |
|
Copyright Act 2018 & Copyright Regulation 2019 |
Done |
21/8/ 2018 |
Copyright regulation amendment to the schedule of fees is done |
|
Trademark Act 2019 |
Done |
20/8/2019 |
Drafting of Trademark Regulation is now in progress |
|
Industrial Design |
To be considered in the next proceeding |
|
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Patent |
To be considered in the next proceeding |
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For an effective system of IPR, Kiribati should acceded into certain agreements and treaties. Below are updated information in relation to acceded treaties or agreements:
|
Treaties |
Acceded Yes / No |
Date of Accession |
Purpose |
|
Berne Convention |
Yes |
2/10/2017 |
Protection of Artistic and Literary works |
|
Marrakesh Treaty |
Yes |
31/7/2019 |
Facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled |
|
Paris Convention |
Cabinet approved in principle but request for further information – Awaiting further comments from Cabinet on the revised paper |
To explore the option of processing instrument with MFAI and WIPO |
Protection of Industrial property including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models, service marks, trade names, geographical indications and the repression of unfair competition |
|
Madrid Protocol |
In progress – Cabinet paper is drafted |
Pending |
International Registration system for Trademark |
IP Links
IP Event
Intellectual Property Day – 26th April 2019