We
also undertake trademark searches
on behalf of our clients.
Usually the main reasons for
doing searches are either
to determine prior rights
or infringement. When
an application for a search
is filed a search form is
issued in which both the mark,
the class or classes in which
a search has to be conducted
and the specimen of the mark
is filed and on payment of
a search fee, the form is
endorsed and the registrar
examines the application with
a view to causing an official
search to be conducted for
similarity of existing registered
trade marks or similarity
with any pending application,
or to ensure that the mark
is not deceptive or scandalous
or not in any way disallowed.
After which the OAPI will
issue a search report.
It
normally takes about 30 days
to process a search; however,
upon payment of an additional
fee at the Trademark Office
an urgent search can be undertaken.
In this case a search report
can be obtained before the
expiration of 10 days from
the date the search request
is made.
