Any company organisation can now use intellectual property rights (IPRs) as a strategic instrument to increase industrial competitiveness. Startups must constantly innovate to grow and develop in order to survive in this fiercely competitive environment. To do this, it is equally important for them to preserve their intellectual property rights (IPRs).The Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) plan is designed to make it easier for startups to protect their trademarks, designs, and patents. The objectives of the SIPP programme is to encourage startups to embrace and become aware of intellectual property rights. By giving startups access to top-notch IP services and resources, Scheme is to support and mentor new and developing technologies among startups and help them protect and commercialise them.
Facilitators must be appointed by the Controller General of Patent, Trademark and Design (CGPDTM) for the programme to be implemented effectively. Periodically, the CGPDTM may update the list of facilitators.
It should be made clear, nonetheless, that the IP application must be signed by a person who is qualified to do so in accordance with the relevant Act and Rules.
The CGPDTM will occasionally control the actions and duties of empanelled facilitators. When a startup complains about a facilitator, the facilitator refuses to work with the startup, or the CGPDTM learns of professional misconduct from any source, the facilitator may be removed from the panel immediately.
Facilitators' roles and responsibilities
In addition to other duties that may be determined by the CGPDTM, facilitators will be in charge of:
>- Offering general advice on various IPRs to startups on a free basis;
>- Offering information on safeguarding and promoting IPRs to startups abroad; and
>- Assisting with the filing and disposition of IP applications related to patents, trademarks, and designs under applicable Acts at the national IP offices under the CGPDTM
>- Drafting full and provisional patent specifications for startup companies' ideas,
>- Preparing and submitting responses to further notices, letters, or inquiries from the IP office,
>- Making an appearance at hearings on behalf of the startup, as scheduled,
>- Contesting any opposition from other parties, if any, and
>- Ensuring that the IPR application is finally handled.
