IP Key LA Hosts a Workshop on Trade Mark and Design Examination Practices in Colombia

Trade mark and design examination practices are an important part of IP Key LA’s work plans. In fact, they were the focus of four workshops held in Central America, the Andean region and Chile during 2018 and 2019. Offices throughout Latin America participated in these workshops to discuss best practices in the examination of trade marks and designs in the European Union (EU) and Latin America.

Following the success of these workshops, IP Key LA organized a new edition that took place in Bogotá on 5 and 6 November. This third IP Key workshop on trade mark and design examination practices was another successful exchange on best practices between participants from the Colombian, Ecuadorian and Peruvian IP offices.

The workshop’s ‘hands on’ approach was very much appreciated by the examiners, as it allowed them to play an active role in the technical discussions to identify areas of common interest. A good rapport was established from the start, and the workshop took place in a very friendly and focused working atmosphere. This greatly facilitated the exchange of views and the diligence of the participants in the study groups, which addressed pre-defined areas of trade mark and design examination practice, and contributed to a fruitful experience for all involved.

The participants enjoyed sharing this opportunity to compare and learn about practices in the region and in the EU. This activity clearly highlighted the appetite for further activities on the subject and how such workshops could not only be useful to the IP offices and examiners, but also to their users, offering legal certainty, transparency and clarity in the examination process.