Power and Duties

• The powers and duties of the EIPA are multifaceted, spanning from administrative functions to legislative advisory roles. These responsibilities are crucial for creating a supportive environment for creators and innovators.
• Receiving and Examining Applications: The EIPA processes applications for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. It conducts both formal and substantive examinations to ensure applications meet the legal requirements for registration.
• Granting and Maintaining Rights: After a successful examination, the EIPA grants legal protection to the intellectual property. It also manages the renewal process to keep these rights in force.
• Advising the Government: The EIPA studies and analyzes IP-related issues and provides recommendations to the government on policies and new legislation. This includes advising on international agreements and treaties, such as the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol.
• Developing Regulations: The Authority is responsible for creating and implementing regulations and directives that govern the specific procedures for IP registration, protection, and enforcement.
• Public Awareness: The EIPA promotes knowledge and understanding of intellectual property among the general public and business community. It conducts training and awareness campaigns to help creators and innovators understand their rights and how to protect them.
• Technology and Innovation Support: The Authority organizes and disseminates technological information contained in patent documents to encourage its use and prevent the "re-invention of the wheel." It also establishes and runs Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs).
• Combating Infringement: While the EIPA itself may have limited law enforcement authority, it plays a key role in combating piracy and counterfeiting by collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
• Dispute Resolution: The EIPA has an established Intellectual Property Tribunal. This tribunal hears appeals from individuals who are dissatisfied with the Authority's decisions regarding the registration, opposition, or cancellation of intellectual property rights. It also handles matters related to compulsory licenses and civil cases concerning IP disputes. Sources