100
INDUSTRY AND TRADE
In 1990-91, the department placed orders to a total value of HK$2,449 million. The top major sources of supply were the United States, United Kingdom, China and Japan. Major items of purchase included computer systems, pharmaceuticals and fire-fighting equipment.
Trade Marks and Patents
The Intellectual Property Department was set up on July 2, 1990, to take over the Trade Marks and Patents Registries. The department also provides a focal point for the development of Hong Kong's intellectual property protection regime. The Trade Marks Registry is a registry of original registration. Trade Marks are registered under the Trade Marks Ordinance, the provisions of which are similar to trade marks legislation in the United Kingdom. The procedure in applying for registration is laid down in the Trade Marks Rules, and the prescribed forms may be obtained free from the Trade Marks Registry, Intellectual Property Department. Every mark, even if already registered in the United Kingdom or any other country, must satisfy the requirements of the Trade Marks Ordinance before it may be accepted for registration. During 1991, 9 900 applications were received and 6 062, including many applications made in previous years, were accepted and allowed to be advertised. A total of 4 340 marks were registered in 1991, compared with 4 020 in 1990. The principal places of origin were:
United States
Hong Kong
Japan
France
United Kingdom
1 062
745
557
309
294
Italy Germany Switzerland Taiwan
The Netherlands
The total number of marks on the register at December 31, 1991, was 59 699.
235
215
174
134
82
In May 1991, the Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance was enacted. The ordinance expands the trade marks law in Hong Kong to allow for the registration of marks for use in connection with services. The new legislation is expected to come into operation in March 1992.
Unlike the Trade Marks Registry, the Patents Registry which also forms part of the Intellectual Property Department is not a registry of original registration. It registers patents that have been granted in the United Kingdom and European Patents (UK). The Registration of Patents Ordinance provides that any grantee of a United Kingdom Patent or European Patent (UK) may, within five years from the date of its grant, apply to have the patent registered in Hong Kong.
A total of 1 079 patents were registered in Hong Kong during the year, compared with 1 095 in 1990. Registration of a United Kingdom Patent or European Patent (UK) in Hong Kong confers on the grantee the same privileges and rights as if the patent had been granted in the United Kingdom with an extension to Hong Kong. The privileges and rights run from the commencement of the term of the patent in the United Kingdom, and continue for as long as the patent remains in force there.
Companies Registry
The Companies Registry of the Registrar General's Department keeps records of all companies incorporated in Hong Kong and of all overseas companies that have established a place of business in Hong Kong.