A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Industrial Designs with BIPA Namibia

Are you an innovator or a company looking to protect your unique Industrial Designs with BIPA in Namibia? Registering your designs with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is crucial to safeguard your intellectual property. In this blog post, we will walk you through the application process for industrial design registration with BIPA Namibia. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your designs!

Section 1: Eligibility and Conditions for Design Registration

To apply for the registration of a design in Namibia, you need to meet the following criteria:

Eligibility to register Industrial Designs with BIPA:

  • The originator of the design.
  • The assignee, who can be an individual, a group of people, or a company, as long as they can prove their vested right in the design concerning Namibia.

Conditions for Registration:

  • The design must be new or original.
  • It should not be already registered on the design register.
  • It should not resemble a previously published design.
  • It should not be the subject of an earlier application by another applicant.

Section 2: Applying for Industrial Design Registration

Follow these steps to apply for the registration of an industrial design in Namibia:

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  1. Obtain Application Forms:
  • Application forms are available free of charge at BIPA offices and MITSMED Regional Offices.
  1. Complete the Application to register Industrial Designs with BIPA:
  • The application should clearly state the article for which the design is being applied.
  • Provide a brief description of the features of the design for which novelty is being claimed.
  • Submit four copies of drawings or pictures of the design along with the application forms.
  1. Fill out the Application Form:
  • The applicant or the agent can complete the application form (Form D1).
  1. Pay the Registration Fee:
  • Pay N$200.00 at the cashier for a single design and N$50.00 for each additional design in the case of a multiple application.
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is also accepted.
  1. Submit the Application:
  • Submit the completed application form and proof of payment at the design office.

Section 3: Timeframe and Renewal of Design Registration

Understand the timeframe and renewal requirements for design registration:

Registration Timeframe:

  • Applicants have 12 months to complete the registration process.
  • An extension of three months is granted if registration is not completed within the initial 12-month period.
  • Failure to register within the extended period will result in the application being considered irretrievably lapsed.

Validity and Renewal:

  • Design registrations in Namibia are valid for 5 years from the date of filing the application.
  • To maintain the validity for the full 15 years, designs must be renewed annually.
  • Failure to renew the design registration will lead to the lapse of the registration and the design falling into the public domain.

International Protection:

  • Registration with BIPA provides protection only within Namibia.
  • To acquire protection in other countries, applicants are encouraged to file under the Hague Agreement or the Harare Protocol, both administered by WIPO.

Protecting your Industrial Designs with BIPA is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge and ensuring the exclusivity of your creations. By following the step-by-step application process outlined above and adhering to the renewal requirements, you can secure your designs with BIPA Namibia. Don’t overlook the importance of intellectual property protection in the pursuit of innovation and success.

Remember, the clock is ticking. Act now and apply for industrial design registration with BIPA Namibia to safeguard your creative endeavors.

For further inquiries or assistance, contact BIPA at the following:

Protect your designs, secure your future! Apply today!

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