URSB eases Intellectual Property Protection applications in new online system

In order to enable the public file for Intellectual Property (IP) protection, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has launched an IP Online Filing System to actualise this effort.

This is part of their All-digital, All-online strategy. The tool is used for receiving Intellectual Property applications for trademarks which the public can now file for, remotely over the internet.

Officiating at the event on Tuesday, the Board Chair Ambassador Francis K. Butagira said the system will enable faster filing processes thereby reducing workload for the officers at URSB.

“The system will simplify processes for IP applications while enabling faster filing processes since formality checks and data capture is done automatically by the system. I urge our stakeholders, especially the clients to seize the opportunity and file trademark applications using the Front Office tool,” said Butagira.

The Registrar General, Mercy K. Kainobwisho highlighted the system as one of the Bureau’s interventions aimed at easing business processes and improving the experience of clients in filing IP applications.

She further said that the system integrates much-needed features such as classification of goods and services which give applicants a wide variety of acceptable terms to use in their trademark applications.

“By December 2021, additional services will be included such as design application, trademark renewal, oppositions and other post grants. I thank the EU-IPO & AfrIPI for the support,” Kainobwisho added.

The Front Office tool is ready for use and accessible over the internet and through the URSB website. https://iponline.ursb.go.ug/sp-ui-tmefiling

The Front Office e-filing system compliments part of URSB’s Strategic Plan III that aims at simplifying processes to enable faster, easier services uptake for clients while plugging into the post-COVID 19 ‘new normal’ mode of operation that dictates lesser physical engagements in seeking services.

The system is also part of the EU-IPO office strategy to equip partners with modern IT tools that are co-created by a community of national experts, end users and international partners.

The futuristic system is a result of collaboration between URSB and the European Union Intellectual Property (AfrIPI) who have been training URSB staff in the use of ICT tools developed and used by offices in the European Union.

Accordingly, URSB signed an agreement with the EU-IPO on September 4, 2020 and has to date acquired three of the tools that is; Front Office, TM-class and Design-class for online filing, classification of Trademarks, and classification of Designs respectively.