The government of Andorra came up with OMPA (Officina de Marques) in 1995. The organization was meant to administer collective inventories. The program began its operation in 1996. The introduction of state sign services was connected to the OMPA during 1998. This was to ensure that there was effective social use of these sights. Consequently, in 2000 the government allocated oversight of domain names to the state signs service joined to OMPA. This article is intended to explain the services offered by the office of Trademark in a country called Andorra. It further explains the duties and responsibilities of the office in relation to trademark operations.
Applying for the trademark form
What is a trademark? A trademark refers to either a symbol or word that is recognized and makes a business entity different and unique from others. The initial process to apply for the trademark is through the digital electronic process. The public in Andorra has access to the electronic device known as OMPA. However, applicants’ submission depends on two factors; those applicants with real commercial activities in Andorra can apply directly for the trademarks. Those with different conditions other than the one mentioned above should include a licensed representative to OMPA. Any legal person is eligible to own a trademark or registers with it. It is also possible for different individuals to own a joint trademark. Those applying for a trademark should include the list of items they wish to protect against exploitation by other companies. They are also expected to identify the type of trademark they wish to register. This includes either an individual registry or a legal entity. In Andorra registration for the application process is 160.49 Euros. This means that 4.29 Euros is normally used for the online application form.
Definition of Patent and Its Application Procedures
A lot of people fail to differentiate between Patent and Trademark. However, the two terms may sound to mean the same but differ in their definition. Unlike Trademark, a Patent refers to an authorization document by the government to a business entity that excludes other entities from exploiting the business activities or ideas. It is the responsibility of the patent office in Andorra to ensure that it caters to the provision of the Patent documents. In 2016 the government of Andorra made it possible for one to register for a Patent in Andorra. The registration process took place at the Patent office. The Patent office introduced principles that initiated the application process. Firstly, after the application form was received the patent document was valid for a period of 20 years. The applicants are then expected to meet the required procedures for application. The government henceforth provides different languages that the applicants can use to apply. Such include, Spanish, French and lastly English. There is no legal equipment used to validate both international and local applicants. The government intervention in this has led to several discussions in an attempt to make agreements with international patent laws. This article identifies the involvement of the Patent Office to ensure proper application procedures.
Why is it necessary for one to apply for a Patent and Trademark in Andorra
It is necessary for one to apply for a trademark or patent in Andorra because of the following reasons;
- Trademarks provide security and overexploitation by business enterprises.
- Trademarks provide a good reputation that attracts individuals towards it. A trademark works in marketing the business entity and that attracts many employees.
- A trademark is a lifelong ownership that serves a life purpose.
- While a patent enables the government to recognize the existence of a business entity.
- The patent helps a business entity to freely invest in legal activities in Andorra.
The government of Andorra imposes harsh conditions on business entities that are not licensed. It is an illegal practice to run a business in Andorra without registering it with the government. Registration has prevented harmful and illegal business activities within and outside the country.
Addresses of the Trademark and Patent Office in Andorra
Telephone : (+376)875600
Fax : (+376)875669
Email: ompa@govern.ad
