Industrial Property Act · N$49.20 WINDHOEK - 23 March 2012 No. 4907 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA CONTENTS Page GOVERNMENT NOTICE No. 84 Promulgation of Industrial

N$49.20 WINDHOEK-23March2012 No.4907

GOVERNMENT GAZETTEOF THE

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

CONTENTSPage

GOVERNMENT NOTICE

No.84 PromulgationofIndustrialPropertyAct,2012(ActNo.1of2012),oftheParliament. 1________________

Government Notice

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

No.84 2012

PROMULGATIONOFACTOFPARLIAMENT

ThefollowingActwhichhasbeenpassedbytheParliamentandsignedbythePresidentintermsoftheNamibianConstitutionisherebypublishedintermsofArticle56ofthatConstitution.

No.1of2012: IndustrialPropertyAct,2012._______________

2 GovernmentGazette23March2012 No.4907

Act No. 1, 2012 INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ACT, 2012

ACTTo provide for the establishment of an Industrial Property Office and the ap-

pointment of a Registrar of industrial property; to provide for the grant, protection and administration of patents and utility model certificates; to provide for the registration, protection and administration of industrial designs; to provide for the registration, protection and administration of trade marks, collective marks, certification marks and trade names; to provide for the registration of industrial property agents; to provide for the establishment of an Industrial Property Tribunal; and to provide for incidental matters.

(Signed by the President on 28 February 2012)

ARRANGEMENTOFSECTIONS

CHAPTER1PRELIMINARYANDADMINISTRATIVEPROVISIONS

PART 1PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section1. Generaldefinitions

PART 2INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICE

2. EstablishmentofIndustrialPropertyOffice3. FunctionsofOffice4. Registrarandotherstaff5. FunctionsandpowersofRegistrar6. SealofOffice7. Registerofindustrialproperty8. Inspectionofrecords9. Bulletinofindustrialproperty10. Restrictionsregardingofficials11. Immunityforofficialacts

CHAPTER2PATENTS

PART 1PATENTS FOR INVENTIONS

12. Definitionsandinterpretation13. Patentableinventions14. Novelty,inventivestepandindustrialapplication15. Inventivestep16. Industrialapplication

No.4907 GovernmentGazette23March2012 3


17. Matterexcludedfrompatentability18. Exclusionfrompatentabilityongroundsofmoralityorpublicorder

PART 2RIGHT TO PATENT

19. Righttoapatent20. Namingofinventor21. Inventionbyemployeeorpersoncommissioned22. Judicialassignmentofrighttoapatentapplicationorpatent

PART 3APPLICATION PROCEDURE

23. Whomayapplyforapatent24. Applicationforapatent25. Applicationfee26. Unityofinvention27. Divisionofapplication28. Amendmentofapplication29. Rightofpriority30. Informationconcerningcorrespondingforeignapplications31. Post-datingofapplication32. Withdrawalofapplication33. Conversionofpatentapplication34. Filingdate

PART 4EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION AND GRANT OF PATENT

35. Examinationastoformandunityofinvention36. Examinationastosubstance37. International-typesearch38. Grantorrefusalofpatent39. Registrationandpublicationofpatent40. Amendmentofpatent

PART 5RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF APPLICANT OR OWNER OF PATENT

41. Rightsofapplicantorownerofpatent42. Obligationsofapplicantorownerofpatent43. Limitationofrights44. ARIPOpatents

PART 6DURATION OF PATENT AND ANNUAL FEES

45. Durationofpatentandextension46. Annualfees47. Restoration



PART 7CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF PATENT APPLICATIONS

AND PATENTS

48. Changeinownershipofapplicationsorpatents59. Jointownershipofpatentapplications50. Jointownershipofpatents

PART 8VOLUNTARY LICENCES

51. Formandrecordaloflicence52. Prohibitedtermsinlicences53. Rightsoflicensee54. Effectofnon-grantorinvalidationofpatent

PART 9COMPULSORY LICENCES

55. Compulsorylicencefornon-workingorinsufficient-working56. Compulsorylicencebasedoninterdependenceofpatents57. Compulsorylicenceinpublicinterest58. Procedureforgrantofcompulsorylicences59. Grantandtermsofcompulsorylicences60. Rightsandobligationsoflicenseeunderacompulsorylicence61. Recordalofcompulsorylicences62. Licencesofright

PART 10EXPLOITATION BY GOVERNMENT

63. Exploitation of patented invention by Government or person authorised byGovernment

PART 11SURRENDER, INVALIDATION AND REVOCATION

64. Surrenderofpatent65. Invalidationofpatent66. Effectsofinvalidation67. Amendmentofpatentininvalidationproceedings68. Revocationofpatentinpublicinterest

PART 12INFRINGEMENT

69. Actsofinfringement70. Infringementproceedings71. Remedies72. Declarationofnon-infringement



73. Threatofinfringementproceedings74. Reliefforpartialinfringement75. Presumptionofuseofpatentedprocess

PART 13INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS UNDER

THE PATENT CO-OPERATION TREATY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

76. ApplicationofPatentCo-operationTreatyanddefinitions77. FilingdateandeffectofinternationalapplicationdesignatingNamibia78. TheOfficeasreceivingoffice79. FilingofinternationalapplicationswiththeOffice80. TheOfficeasdesignatedoffice81. TheOfficeaselectedoffice82. Nationalprocessing83. Enteringnationalphase84. Failuretoenternationalphase85. Processing internationalapplications inaccordancewithPatentCo-operation

Treaty

PART 14UTILITY MODEL CERTIFICATES

86. Applicationofprovisionsrelatingtopatents87. Specialprovisionsrelatingtoutilitymodelcertificates88. Durationofutilitymodelcertificate89. Surrender,invalidationandrevocationofutilitymodelcertificate90. Conversionofapplicationforutilitymodelcertificateorapplicationsforpatent

PART 15GENERAL

91. Appeals

CHAPTER3INDUSTRIALDESIGNS

PART 1INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS

92. Definitions93. Registrabledesigns94. Definitionofnovelty

PART 2RIGHT TO LEGAL PROTECTION

95. Righttolegalprotection96. Namingofcreator



97. Designcreatedbyemployeeorpersoncommissioned98. Judicialassignmentofrighttoadesignapplicationordesignregistration


99. Whomayapplyforregistration100. Applicationforregistration101. Rightofpriority102. Filingdateofapplication103. Examinationastoformandsubstance

PART 4REGISTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND AMENDMENT OF DESIGN

APPLICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

104. Registrationofindustrialdesign105. Recordal of registration, issuanceof certificate andpublicationof registered

design106. Amendmentofdesignapplicationorregistration

PART 5RIGHTS CONFERRED BY REGISTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

107. Rightsconferredbyregistration108. Limitationsofrights109. ARIPOdesigns

PART 6DURATION, RENEWAL AND RESTORATION

110. Durationofregistereddesigns111. Renewalofregistereddesigns112. Restorationofdesignregistrations

PART 7CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF DESIGN

APPLICATIONS AND DESIGN REGISTRATIONS

113. Changeinownershipofapplicationsorregistrations114. Jointownershipofdesignapplication115. Jointownershipofrightsconferredbyregistration


116. Voluntarylicence117. Invalidcontractualtermsinlicences118. Rightsoflicensee119. Effectofinvalidityonregistrationoflicence



PART 9SURRENDER AND INVALIDATION OF REGISTRATION

120. Surrenderofregistration121. Invalidationofregistereddesigns122. Effectsofinvalidation

PART 10INFRINGEMENT

123. Actsofinfringement124. Infringementproceedings125. Remedies

PART 11INTERNATIONAL DEPOSITS UNDER THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

126. Definitions127. Protectionofdesignwhichissubjecttointernationaldeposit128. NotificationofInternationalBureaubyRegistrar129. RegistrartonotifyInternationalBureauconcerninginvalidation

PART 12GENERAL

130. Appeals

CHAPTER4TRADEMARKS,COLLECTIVEANDCERTIFICATIONMARKS,

ANDTRADENAMES

PART 1INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

131. Definitions132. Exclusiverighttomark133. Classificationofregistration

PART 2REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

134. Distinctiveness135. Limitationofcolours136. Disclaimer137. Prohibitionofregistration:objectivegrounds138. Prohibitionofregistration:thirdpartyrights



PART 3PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION

139. Whomayapplyforregistration140. Applicationforregistration141. Applicationfee142. Rightofpriority143. Dateoffiling144. Withdrawal,restrictionoramendmentofapplication145. Examinationastoformandsubstance146. Acceptanceorrefusalofapplication147. Examinationafteropposition148. Registrationandissuanceofcertificate149. Registrationofpartsoftrademarks150. Publicationofregisteredmarks

PART 4RIGHTS CONFERRED BY REGISTRATION

151. Exclusiveright152. Rightsconferredbyregistration153. Exhaustionofrights154. Righttocontinuetouse155. Bona fideuseofnameordescription156. ARIPOtrademarks

PART 5DURATION, RENEWAL AND ALTERATION OF REGISTERED TRADE MARK

157. Durationofregistration158. Renewalofregistration159. Restorationofregistration160. Alterationoramendmentoftrademark

PART 6CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF TRADE MARK

APPLICATIONS AND REGISTERED TRADE MARKS

161. Changeinownershipofapplicationsortrademarks162. Associatedtrademarks163. Jointownershipoftrademarkapplications164. Jointownershipoftrademarkregistrations

PART 7VOLUNTARY LICENCES,

REGISTERED USERS AND TRANSFERS

165. Voluntarylicences166. Invalidationoflicences167. Effectoflicences



168. Assignabilityoflicencesoruserrights169. Effectofinvalidityofregistrationonlicence170. Registereduse171. Registrationofregistereduser172. Guaranteeofcontrol173. Variationandcancellation174. Transferabilityoftrademarks

PART 8SURRENDER, REMOVAL AND INVALIDATION

175. Surrenderofregisteredtrademark176. Removalfornon-use177. Removalwhenmarkbecomesgenericname178. Procedureandeffectofremoval179. Invalidationofregistration180. Effectofinvalidation181. Notification,recordingandpublicationofsurrender,removalorinvalidation

PART 9INFRINGEMENT

182. Actsofinfringement183. Infringementproceedingsandremedies184. Meaningofinfringinggoods185. Orderastodisposalofinfringinggoods186. Remedyforgroundlessthreatsofinfringementproceedings

PART 10CERTIFICATION AND COLLECTIVE MARKS

187. Applicabilityofotherprovisions188. Applicationforregistrationofcertificationorcollectivemark189. Examinationofapplicationforregistration190. Invalidationofregistrationofcertificationorcollectivemark

PART 11TRADE NAMES AND ACTS OF UNFAIR COMPETITION

191. Prohibitedtradenames192. Protectionoftradenames193. Transferabilityoftradenames194. Actsofunfaircompetition195. Indicationofsourceandorigin

PART 12INTERNATIONAL MATTERS

196. Protectionofwell-knowntrademarks197. Nationalemblemsandemblemsofinternationalorganisations



PART 13INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UNDER THE MADRID PROTOCOL

198. Definitions199. ProtectionofmarkcontainingdesignationofNamibia200. InternationalregistrationcontainingdesignationofNamibia201. InvalidationofatrademarkregisteredundertheMadridProtocol

PART 14GENERAL

202. Appeals

CHAPTER5GENERALPROVISIONS

w203. Evidenceofregisterandcertaindocuments204. Evidenceofownership205. Lossofdocument206. ExerciseofdiscretionarypowersbyRegistrar207. GeneralpowersofRegistrar208. Venueofproceedingsandtaxationofcosts209. Correctionoferrors210. Rectificationofregister

PART 2INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

211. Agentsandtheirfunctions212. Registrationofagents213. Removalofnamesfromregisterofagents214. Entitlementtopractice

PART 3INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY TRIBUNAL AND APPEALS

215. IndustrialPropertyTribunal216. Oathofoffice217. Rightofaudience218. Assessors219. SecretaryofTribunal220. SeatandjurisdictionofTribunal221. ReferencestoTribunalbyRegistrar222. GeneralpowersofTribunal223. ProceedingsofTribunal224. Summoningofwitnesses225. Costs



226. ContemptofTribunal227. RulesofTribunal228. AppealstoCourt229. ExpensesofTribunal

PART 4OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

230. Falsificationofdocuments231. Falselyrepresentingindustrialpropertyrights232. Improperuseofwords“industrialpropertyoffice”233. Deceivingofficials

PART 5GENERAL

234. Applicationofinternationalconventions235. Hypothecationandattachment236. Regulations237. Administrativeinstructions238. ApplicationofAct239. Repeals240. Transitionalprovisionsandsavings241. Shorttitleandcommencement

BE IT ENACTEDbytheParliamentoftheRepublicofNamibia,asfollows:

CHAPTER1PRELIMINARYANDADMINISTRATIVEPROVISIONS

PART 1PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

General definitions

1. InthisAct,unlessthecontextindicatesotherwise–

“agent”means a legal practitioner practising inNamibia in accordancewith theLegalPractitioners’Act,1995oranagententitledtopracticeasprovidedinPart2ofChapter5;

“ARIPO”meanstheAfricanRegionalIntellectualPropertyOrganisationestablishedinLusakaonDecember9,1976;

“bulletin” means the official bulletin of industrial property established in terms ofsection9;

“conventionapplication”meansanapplicationinrespectofwhichpriorityisclaimedasprovidedforintheParisConvention,andascontemplatedinrespectofpatentsinsection29,inrespectofdesignsinsection102andinrespectoftrademarksinsection141;



“convention country” means a state or territory which is a party to the ParisConvention;

“court”meanstheHighCourtofNamibiaasdefinedinsection1oftheHighCourtAct,1990(ActNo.16of1990);

“Harare Protocol”means the Protocol on Patents and Industrial Designswithin theFrameworkofARIPOadoptedinHarareonDecember10,1982andtheRegulationsissuedthereunder,asamendedfromtimetotime;

“industrialproperty”meanspatents,utilitymodelcertificates, industrialdesigns,andtrademarksincludingcertificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarks;

“Minister”meanstheMinisterresponsiblefortradeandindustry;

“Office”meanstheIndustrialPropertyOfficeestablishedbysection2;

“official”means theRegistrar, theDeputyRegistrar,anyassistantregistrar,anystaffmemberorotheremployeeoftheOfficeappointedintermsofsection4;

“ParisConvention”meanstheParisConventionfortheProtectionofIndustrialPropertyconcludedinParisonMarch20,1883asrevisedfromtimetotime;

“patent”meansthetitlegrantedunderthisActtoprotectaninvention;

“person”meansanaturalpersonoralegalpersonandincludesanenterpriseorotherbusinessentity;

“prescribe”meansprescribebyregulationmadeundersection236;

“prioritydate”meansthedateoftheearlierapplicationorapplicationsthatservesorserve as the basis for the right of priority provided for in theParisConvention andclaimedinaconventionapplication;

“record”means theenteringor recordalof information in theappropriate registerascontemplatedinsection7(3);

“register”or“registers”meanstheregistersreferredtoinsection7(1);

“Registrar”meansthepersonappointedasRegistrarintermsofsection4;

“staffmember”meansapersondefinedassuchinsection1ofthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995);

“thisAct”includestheregulationsmadeundersection236;

“Tribunal”meanstheIndustrialPropertyTribunalestablishedbysection215;

“TRIPS”meanstheAgreementonTradeRelatedAspectsofIntellectualPropertywhichisannexedtotheAgreementEstablishingtheWTO;and



“WTO”meanstheWorldTradeOrganisationestablishedbytheAgreementEstablishingtheWTOsignedatMarrakeshon15April1994.

PART 2INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICE

Establishment of Industrial Property Office

2. (1) There is established an Industrial Property Office (hereafter“theOffice”)whichisresponsibleforallfunctionsrelevanttotheregistration,recordal,maintenance and administration of industrial property rights as provided for in thisAct.

(2) The office responsible for the registration of patents, trade marks,designs and utilitymodels under the previous laws governing patents, trademarks,designsandutilitymodelsis,despitetherepealofthepreviouslawsascontemplatedinsection239,deemedtohavebeenestablishedunderthisActandisinthisActreferredtoas“theOffice”andcontinues to functionas the IndustrialPropertyOffice for thepurposesoftheregistrationandadministrationofrightsunderthisAct,andfortheotherpurposesofthisAct.

Functions of Office

3. (1) The Office is responsible for all functions relating to theregistration,recordal,maintenanceandadministrationof industrialpropertyrightsasprovidedforinthisAct,includingallfunctionsasprescribed.

(2) TheOfficeisalsoresponsibleforprovidingsuchinformationservicesto the public as are provided for under thisAct, including such services asmay beprescribed.

Registrar and other staff

4. (1) SubjecttothePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995),theMinister–

(a) mustappointapersonas theRegistrarofIndustrialProperty,whoisresponsible for theadministrationof thisActandwhomustperformsuch duties and functions, and exercise such powers as may beconferredonhimorherbythisActoranyotherlaw;

(b) mayappointapersonastheDeputyRegistrarwhomay,subjecttothecontrolanddirectionsoftheRegistrar,exerciseorperformanyofthepowers,dutiesandfunctionsoftheRegistrar;

(c) mayappointassistantregistrarswhomust,subject tothecontrolanddirectionsoftheRegistrar,performsuchdutiesandfunctionsasmaybe necessary to assist the Registrar and, if applicable, the DeputyRegistrarintheperformanceofthedutiesandfunctionsimposedupontheRegistrarbyorunderthisActoranyotherlaw;and



(d) mayappoint suchother staffmembersor employeesas theMinisteron the recommendation of the Permanent Secretary of the ministryresponsible for trade and industry considers necessary to assist theRegistrartoperformanyfunctionoftheOffice.

(2) The Minister may, instead of appointing a person as Registrar ascontemplated in subsection (1), designate the person appointed as Registrar ofCompaniesintermsofsection6oftheCompaniesAct,2004(ActNoof2004)oranyotherstaffmemberemployedinthePublicServicetobetheRegistrarforpurposesofthisAct.

Functions and powers of Registrar

5. (1) Without derogating from the generality of the provisions ofsection4,theRegistrarmustexercisethefollowingpowers,andperformthefollowingdutiesandfunctions,namelyto–

(a) processallapplicationsmadeintermsofthisAct;

(b) grant or, where appropriate, refuse patents and utility modelcertificates;

(c) register or, where appropriate, refuse to register industrial designs,trademarks,certificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarks;

(d) administergrantedpatentsandutilitymodelcertificatesandregisteredindustrialdesigns,trademarks,certificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarks;

(e) registerlicencecontractsenteredintointermsofthisAct;

(f) carryoutstudies,programmesorexchangesofinformationorservicesregardingdomesticandinternationalindustrialpropertylaw;

(g) extendperiodsduringwhich thingsmaybedoneascontemplated insection206;

(h) issueadministrativeinstructionsascontemplatedinsection237;and

(i) exercisesuchpowersandperformsuchfunctionsasarenecessarytoachievetheobjectsofthisAct.

(2) DespiteanythingtothecontraryinthisAct,theRegistrarmay,wherenospecificprovisionismadeforthelevyingorchargingofanyfeeoradditionalfeeunderthisAct,chargetheapplicantanyfeesoradditionalfeesasmaybeprescribedforthedoingofanyactorprovisionofanyserviceasrequiredunderthisAct.

Seal of Office

6. TheRegistrarmustkeepasealoftheOfficeandtheimpressionofthatsealmustbejudiciallynoticed.



Register of industrial property

7. (1) TheOfficemust,intheprescribedformandmanner,maintainappropriate registers for industrial property, including separate registers for patents,utilitymodels,industrialdesigns,trademarksandanylicencecontractsorchangesinownershipmadeinrespectindustrialpropertyrights.

(2) Certificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarksmustberegisteredinaspecialsectionoftheregisteroftrademarks.

(3) All the recordals provided for in this Act must be made in theappropriateregisters.

(4) Theregistersmaintainedintermsofthissectionmustbeopentothepublic at such times asmaybedeterminedby theRegistrar and anypersonmay, onpaymentof theprescribed feeand in themannerprescribed,consult the registersorobtainextractsfromtheregisters.

Inspection of records

8. (1) Anypersonmay,onpaymentoftheprescribedfeeandinthemannerprescribed,inspecttheofficialfilecontainingalldocumentslodgedinsupportofanapplicationbut–

(a) inthecaseofpatents,utilitymodels,andindustrialdesigns,thefileisopenforinspectionfromthedateonwhichthegrantoftheapplicationispublishedascontemplatedinsection39,86and105(2);and

(b) in the case of trademarks, the file is open for inspection from thedateonwhichtheacceptanceispublishedascontemplatedinsection146(6).

(2) Thefilerelatingtoanapplicationforapatent,utilitymodel,industrialdesignortrademarkmaybeinspectedbeforethegrantofthepatentorutilitymodelortheregistrationoftheindustrialdesignortrademarkonlywithwrittenconsentoftheapplicant.

(3) Anypersonmay,onrequestintheprescribedmannerandonpaymentof theprescribed fee,obtain copiesor extracts fromanydocumentor entryopen topublicinspection.

(4) Evenbeforethegrantofapatentorautilitymodelortheregistrationofanindustrialdesignoratrademark,theOfficemay,onrequest,communicatethefollowingbibliographicdata:

(a) thenameandaddressoftheapplicantandthenameandaddressoftheapplicant’sagent,ifany;

(b) thenumberoftheapplication;



(c) thefilingdateoftheapplicationand,ifpriorityisclaimed,thedateandnumberoftheearlierapplication;and

(d) inthecaseofapatent,thetitleoftheinvention.

Bulletin of industrial property

9. TheRegistrarmustestablishandpublishabulletinofindustrialpropertyin respect of patents, utility models, industrial designs and trade marks, includingcertification trademarks and collective trademarks, inwhichmust be published allmattersthatarerequiredtobepublishedunderthisAct.

Restrictions regarding officials

10. (1) An official of the Officemay not file an application for anindustrialpropertyright,begrantedindustrialpropertyrightsorholdanyrightsrelatingtoindustrialpropertywhileemployedintheOfficeandforaperiodoftwoyearsafterterminationofemploymentwiththeOffice.

(2) Nothing in this section contained applies to any acquisition of anyindustrialpropertyrightsbybequestordevolutionbyoperationoflaw.

(3) AnofficialoftheOfficemaynot,whileemployedbytheOfficeorafterterminationofsuchemployment–

(a) disclosetoanyotherpersonanyinformationacquiredbythatofficialintheexerciseofhisorherpowersor theperformanceofhisorherfunctionsunderthisActandrelatingtothebusinessoraffairsofanyperson;or

(b) use any information acquired under the circumstances referred to inparagraph(a)forself-gainorforthebenefitofanythirdparty.

(4) Subsection(3)(a)doesnotapplyiftheinformationisdisclosed-

(a) for the purpose of the exercise of that official’s powers or theperformanceofhisorherfunctionsunderthisAct;

(b) forthepurposeoflegalproceedingsunderthisAct;

(c) whentheofficialisrequiredtodosobyanycompetentcourtorunderanylaw;or

(d) withthewrittenauthorityoftheMinister.

(5) Apersonwhocontravenesorfailstocomplywithsubsection(1)or(3)commitsanoffenceandonconvictionisliabletoafinenotexceedingN$5000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodof12monthsortobothsuchfineandimprisonment.



Immunity for official acts

11. TheRegistrarortheDeputy,anAssistantRegistrar,anystaffmemberorotheremployeeappointedintermsofsection4toworkintheOfficeisnotpersonallyliableinrespectofanythingdoneingoodfaithunderthisAct.

CHAPTER2PATENTS

PART 1PATENTS FOR INVENTIONS

Definitions and interpretation

12. (1) ForthepurposesofthisChapter–

“anticipated”meansformingpartofordisclosedbypriorart;

“art”means-

(a) allmatterdisclosedtothepublic,anywhereintheworld,bypublicationinanyform,orbyoraldisclosure,byuseorinanyotherway;

(b) mattercontainedinapendingapplicationforapatentascontemplatedinsection14(3);

(c) knowledge developed by or in possession of a local or indigenouscommunityandwhichoriginatedatadatepriortotheprioritydateoftherelevantinvention;

“exploit”,inrelationtoapatentedinvention,meansdoinganyofthefollowingacts:

(a) whenthepatenthasbeengrantedinrespectofaproduct-

(i) making,importing,disposingof,offeringtodisposeoforusingtheproduct;

(ii) stockingsuchproductforthepurposesofdisposingof,offeringtodisposeoforusing;

(b) whenthepatenthasbeengrantedinrespectofaprocess-

(i) usingtheprocess;

(ii) doinganyoftheactsreferredtoinparagraph(a)inrespectofaproductobtaineddirectlybymeansoftheprocess;

“invention”meansanideaofaninventorintheformofnewknowledgeofatechnicalnature;



“PatentCo-operationTreaty”meansthePatentCo-operationTreatyconcludedatWashington on June 19, 1970 and the Regulations issued thereunder, asamendedfromtimetotime;and

“priorart”meanstheartatadateimmediatelypriortothefilingdateor,whereappropriate,theprioritydateofanapplicationclaimingtheinvention.

(2) Aninvention-

(a) maybe,ormayrelateto,aproductoraprocessapplicableinanyfieldoftechnology;and

(b) maycompriseamicro-organismoramicrobiologicalprocessandtheproductofsuchprocess.

Patentable inventions

13. Patentsareavailableforanyinventions,whetherproductsorprocesses,inallfieldsoftechnology,providedtheinventionisnew,involvesaninventivestepandisindustriallyapplicable.

Novelty, inventive step and industrial application

14. (1) Aninventionisnewifitisnotanticipatedbypriorart.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) disclosure to the public of theinvention may not be taken into consideration if it occurred within six monthspreceedingthefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheapplication,andifitwasbyreasonorinconsequenceof–

(a) actscommittedbytheapplicantorhisorherpredecessorintitle,orofanunauthoriseddisclosure;or

(b) anabusecommittedbyathirdpartywithregardtotheapplicantorhisorherpredecessorintitle.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), prior art also includes mattercontained in an application, open to public inspection, for a patent, despite that theapplicationwaslodgedattheOfficeandbecameopentopublicinspectiononoraftertheprioritydateoftherelevantinvention,if–

(a) thatmatterwascontainedinthatapplicationbothaslodgedandasopentopublicinspection;and

(b) theprioritydateofthatmatterisearlierthanthatoftheinvention.

Inventive step

15. (1) Aninventionmustbeconsideredasinvolvinganinventivestepif,havingregardtothepriorartrelevanttotheinventionclaimedintheapplicationand



asdefinedinsections12(1)and14butexcludingsection14(3),itisnotobvioustoapersonskilledintheart.

(2) Forpurposesofsubsection(1),aninventionisdeemedobviouswhenthepriorartprovidesmotivationtotrytheinvention,orwhenthemethodofmakingaclaimedproductisdisclosedinorrenderedobviousbyasinglepieceorcombinationofpiecesofpriorart.

Industrial application

16. Aninventionmaybeconsideredtobeindustriallyapplicableifitcanbemadeorusedinanykindofindustry.

Matter excluded from patentability

17. (1) Thefollowingareexcludedfrompatentability:

(a) discoveries,scientifictheoriesandmathematicalmethods; (b) a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work or any other aesthetic

creation;

(c) schemes, rules or methods for doing business, performing purelymentalactsorplayinggames;

(d) programmesforcomputers;

(e) presentationsofinformation;

(f) diagnostic, therapeutical and surgical methods for the treatment ofhumansoranimals;

(g) plants and animals other than micro-organisms and any essentiallybiologicalprocessesfortheproductionofplantsandanimalsotherthannon-biologicalandmicrobiologicalprocesses;

(h) thehumanbodyandallitselementsinwholeorinpart;

(i) thewholeorpartofnaturallivingbeingsandbiologicalmaterialsfoundinnature,evenifisolatedfromitorpurified,includingthegenomeorgermplsam;

(j) new uses,methods of use, forms, properties of a known product orsubstanceandalreadyusedforspecificpurposesandchangesofshape,dimensions,proportionsormaterialsinthesubjectmatterappliedfor,exceptwherethequalitiesofthesubjectmatterareessentiallyalteredorwhereitsusesolvesatechnicalproblemthatdidnotpreviouslyhaveanequivalentsolution;and

(k) newuseofaknownprocess,machineorapparatusunlesssuchknownprocessresultsinanewproductoremploysatleastonenewreactant.



(2) Forthepurposesofsubsection(l)(j),salts,esters,ethers,polymorphs,metabolites, pure form, particle size, isomers, mixtures of isomers, enantiomers,complexes,combinations,compositions, formulations,dosageforms,admixturesandotherderivativesofknownsubstancesmustbeconsideredtobesubstances.

Exclusion from patentability on grounds of morality or public order

18. (1) Inventions the commercial exploitation of which would becontrary to public order ormorality are excluded from patentability, except that aninventionwillnotbesoexcludedmerelybecausetheexploitationthereofisprohibitedbylaw.

(2) For thepurposesofsubsection(1),publicorderormorality includesconsiderationsrelatingto-

(a) thepatentabilityandprotectionofhuman,animalorplantlifeorhealth;or

(b) theavoidanceofseriousharmtotheenvironment.

PART 2RIGHT TO PATENT

Right to a patent

19. (1) Therighttoapatentbelongstotheinventor.

(2) If two ormore persons have jointlymade an invention, the right toapplyforthepatentbelongstothemjointly.

(3) Ifandtotheextenttowhichtwoormorepersonshavemadethesameinvention independentlyof eachother, thepersonwhose applicationhas the earliestfilingdateor,ifpriorityisclaimed,theearliestvalidlyclaimedprioritydate,andwhichapplicationleadstothegrantofapatenthastherighttothepatentforthedurationofthepatent.

(4) The right to a patent may be assigned, or may be transferred bysuccessionorotherwisebyoperationoflaw.

Naming of inventor

20. (1) The inventormustbenamedassuch in theapplicationforapatentandinthepatent,unlessinawrittendeclarationaddressedtotheRegistrarandlodgedwiththeRegistrarpriortothegrantofthepatenttheinventordeclaresthatheorshewishesnottobenamed.

(2) Anypromiseorundertakingbytheinventormadetoanypersontotheeffectthatheorshewillmakeadeclarationascontemplatedinsubsection(1)hasnolegaleffect.



(3) Whenadeclaration as contemplated in subsection (1) is lodged, theRegistrarmustrecordthedeclarationintheregisterandmustretainsuchdeclarationforthedurationofthepatent.

Invention by employee or person commissioned

21. (1) Whereaninventionismadeintheexecutionofacommissioncontract or in the course of an employment contract, the right to the patent for thatinventionpassestoandbelongs,intheabsenceofwrittencontractualprovisionstothecontrary,tothepersonwhocommissionedtheworkortotheemployer,asthecasemaybe.

(2) Wheretherighttoapatenthaspassedtoanotherascontemplatedinsubsection (1)and it later transpires that the inventionhasaneconomicvaluemuchgreaterthanwhatthepartiescouldhavereasonablyforeseenatthetimeofconcludingthecommissionoremploymentcontract,theinventorhasarighttoequitableremuneration,whichmustbedeterminedby theTribunal in theabsenceofagreementbetween theparties.

(3) Despitesubsections(1)and(2),whenanemployee,whoseemploymentcontractdoesnotrequirehimorhertoengageininventiveactivity,makesaninventioninthefieldofactivitiesofhisorheremployerbyusingdataormeansavailabletohimorherthroughhisorheremployment,therighttothepatentforthatinventionbelongs,intheabsenceofwrittencontractualprovisionstothecontrary,totheemployer.

(4) Wheretherighttoapatentpassestoemployerintermsofsubsection(3), theemployeehasa right toequitable remunerationasmay inwritingbeagreeduponbyhimorherandtheemployer,takingintoaccounthisorhersalary,theeconomicvalueoftheinventionandanybenefitderivedfromtheinventionbytheemployer.

(5) In the absence of a written agreement between the parties, theremunerationascontemplatedinsubsection(4)mustbedeterminedbytheTribunal.

(6) Any written contractual provision which is less favourable to theinventorthantheprovisionsofthissection,orwhichpurportstoexcludetheapplicationofthissection,isvoid.

(7) The provisions of section 20 regarding the naming of the inventorapplytoapersonentitledtoapatentunderthissection.

Judicial assignment of right to a patent application or patent

22. (1) Where a dispute arises between persons as to their rights toobtainapatentforortomake,use,exerciseordisposeofaninvention,orastotherighttoortitleinapatent,anypartytothedisputemayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(2) IftheTribunalissatisfiedthatapersonisunableorunwillingtoexercisehisorherrighttofileortoparticipateinanapplicationforapatent,theTribunalmayorderthatpersontoexecuteanassignment,inorderthattheapplicationmaybemade



withoutsuchparticipation,butwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,theTribunalmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtothenon-participatingperson.

(3) Inanyorderdeclaringthatapersonhasarighttotheexclusionofanyotherpersontoapplyforortobetheownerofapatent,theTribunalmaydirectthatsuchotherpersonexecutesanydeedofassignmentthatmayberequiredandthatsuchdeedofassignmentmayextendtocountriesoutsideNamibia.


Who may apply for a patent

23. Anapplicationforapatentmaybefiled–

(a) bytheinventororinventors;

(b) byapersonwhohasacquiredtherighttoapplyfromtheinventorbyoperationoflaw;

(c) byboththeinventorandthepersonreferredtoinparagraph(b);or

(d) by an agent duly authorised to act on behalf of any of the personsreferredtoinparagraphs(a)to(c).

Application for a patent

24. (1) TheapplicationforapatentmustbefiledwiththeRegistrarinthemannerprescribedandmustcontain–

(a) awrittenrequest;

(b) aspecificationcomprisingof-

(i) adescription;

(ii) oneormoreclaims;

(iii) oneormoredrawings,whererequired;and

(c) anabstract.

(2) Where the subjectmatter of a patent application is derived from ordevelopedwithbiologicalresourcesorassociatedindigenousortraditionalknowledge,the applicant must disclose in the application for a patent the country providingthe resources or associated indigenous or traditional knowledge, fromwhom in theproviding country they were obtained, and, as known after reasonable inquiry, thecountry of origin and any other information regarding the source or nature of theresourcesasmaybeprescribed.



(3) Therequestmustcontain–

(a) apetitiontotheeffectthatapatentbegranted;

(b) thenameofandotherprescribedinformationconcerningtheapplicant,theinventor,andagent,ifany;and

(c) thetitleoftheinvention.

(4) Wheretheapplicantisnottheinventor,theapplicantmust,withintheprescribedperiod,provideawrittenstatementestablishingtheapplicant’srighttothepatent.

(5) Thedescriptionmust–

(a) disclosetheinventionandthemannerinwhichitistobeperformedinamannersufficientlyclearandcompletefortheinventiontobecarriedoutbyapersonskilledintheart;

(b) indicate the bestmode for carrying out the invention known to theapplicantatthefillingdateor,wherepriorityisclaimed,attheprioritydateoftheapplication;and

(c) wherenecessaryillustrateorexemplifytheinventionandthemannerinwhichitistobeperformed,orcontainsuchfurtherinformationorparticularsregardingtheinventionasmaybeprescribed.

(6) Theclaimorclaimsmust–

(a) definethematterforwhichprotectionissought;

(b) beclearandconcise;and

(c) besupportedbythedescription.

(7) Drawingsarerequiredwhentheyarenecessaryfortheunderstandingoftheinvention.

(8) Thedescriptionandthedrawingsmaybeusedtointerprettheclaimorclaims.

(9) Thepurposeoftheabstractistoprovidetechnicalinformationandmaynotbetakenintoaccountforthepurposeofinterpretingthescopeoftheprotection.

Application fee

25. Theapplication for apatentmustbeaccompaniedby theprescribedapplicationfeewhichmustbepaidinthemannerprescribed.



Unity of Invention

26. (1) Anapplicationforapatentmustrelatetooneinventiononlyortoagroupofinventionssolinkedastobepartofasinglegeneralinventiveconcept.

(2) The claim or claims must relate to one invention or one inventiveconcept as contemplated in subsection (1) and must define the matter for whichprotectionissought.

(3) Thefactthatapatenthasbeengrantedonanapplicationthatdidnotcomplywiththerequirementofunityofinventionundersubsection(1)or(2)isnotagroundfortheinvalidationofthepatent.

Division of application

27. (1) Theapplicantmayatanytimebeforeapatentisgranted,applyto theRegistrar in theprescribedmanner todivide theapplication into twoormoreapplications,(referredtointhissectionas“divisionalapplications”)providedthateachapplicationdoesnot introducematternot in substancedisclosed in thedisclosure intheinitialapplicationorincorporateaclaimnotfairlybasedonmatterdisclosedinthedisclosureintheinitialapplication.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,heorshemustallowthedivision.

(3) Eachdivisionalapplicationmustaccorded thefilingdateand,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheinitialapplication.

Amendment of application

28. (1) Theapplicantmay,atanytimebeforeapatentisgranted,applyintheprescribedmannertotheRegistrartoamendtheapplication,buttheamendmentmay not be allowed if it introducesmatter not in substance disclosed in the initialdisclosureintheapplication,orintroducesaclaimnotbasedonmatterdisclosedintheinitialdisclosureintheapplication.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,heorshemustallowtheamendmentandmustmaketherequestedchangesintheapplication.

Right of priority

29. (1) Anapplicationforapatentmaycontainadeclarationclaimingthepriority,asprovidedforintheParisConvention,ofoneormoreearliernational,regionalorinternationalapplicationsfiledbytheapplicantorhisorherpredecessorintitleinorforanyStatepartytothesaidconventionorinanymemberoftheWTO.

(2) Wheretheapplicationcontainsadeclarationundersubsection(1),theRegistrarmayrequirethattheapplicantfurnish,withintheprescribedtime,acopyofeachsuchearlierapplicationcertifiedascorrectbytheofficewithwhichitwasfiled.



(3) TheeffectofthesaiddeclarationisasprovidedintheParisConvention,includingthat–

(a) if the invention claimed in the application is fairly based onmatterdisclosed in one or more of such earlier applications, the prioritydateof theinventionis thedateonwhichtheearliestofsuchearlierapplicationswasfiled;and

(b) theinventionclaimedintheapplicationmayhaveoneormoreprioritydates.

(4) IftheRegistrarfindsthattherequirementsunderthissectionhavenotbeenfulfilled,thesaiddeclarationisdeemednottohavebeenmade,andthedateoftheapplicationwillbethefilingdateaccordedtotheapplicationasprovidedforinsection34.

Information concerning corresponding foreign applications

30. (1) Theapplicantmust,within theprescribedperiod,furnish theRegistrarwithdateandnumberofanyapplicationforapatentorothertitleofprotectionfiledbytheapplicantabroad(hereinreferredtoasaforeignapplication)relatingtothesameoressentiallythesameinventionasthatclaimedintheapplicationfiledwiththeOffice.

(2) TheapplicantmustfurnishtheRegistrarwiththefollowingdocumentsrelatingtoanyoneoftheforeignapplicationsreferredtoinsubsection(1)-

(a) a copy of any communication received by the applicant from anysearchorexaminationauthorityconcerningtheresultsofanysearchorexaminationcarriedoutinrespectoftheforeignapplication;

(b) acopyofthepatentorothertitleofprotectiongrantedonthebasisoftheforeignapplication;

(c) acopyofanyfinaldecisionrejectingtheforeignapplicationorrefusingthegrantrequestedintheforeignapplication.

(3) Wherethedocumentmentionedinsubsection(2)isnotavailableatthetimeofapplicationforapatent,thedocumentmustbeprovidedtotheRegistrarwithintheprescribedperiodaftertheapplicantreceivestherelevantdocument.

(4) Theapplicantmust,withintheprescribedperiod,furnishtheRegistrarwith–

(a) informationrelatingtothewithdrawalorsurrenderofaforeignpatentapplicationreferredtoinsubsection(1);

(b) information relating to the surrender of a patent or other title ofprotection granted on a foreign application referred to in subsection(1);or



(c) a copy of any final decision invalidating or revoking the patent orothertitleofprotectiongrantedonaforeignapplicationreferredtoinsubsection(1).

(5) Subsection(2)(a)doesnotapplyinrespectofinformationrelatingtotheexaminationofthesameinternationalapplicationinanotherelectedofficewheretheOfficeisanelectedofficeinthemeaningofsection81andhasreceivedorwillreceiveaninternationalpreliminaryreportonpatentability.

Post-dating of application

31. The applicant may, at any time before a patent is granted, in theprescribedmannerrequesttheRegistrartodirectthattheapplicationbepost-datedtosuchdateasmaybespecifiedintherequest,exceptthat–

(a) noapplicationmaybepost-datedunderthissectiontoadatelaterthansixmonthsfromthedateonwhichitwasactuallylodged;

(b) anapplicationclaimingpriorityintermsofsection29maynotbepost-datedunderthissectiontoadatelaterthanthelastdateonwhich,undertheprovisionsofthisAct,theapplicationcouldhavebeenlodged;and

(c) noapplicationmaybepost-datedifpriorityhasbeenclaimedonthebasisof that applicationby the applicantorhisorher successorsorpredecessors in title in a subsequent application for a patent whichleavesanyrightsoutstanding.

Withdrawal of application

32. Theapplicantmay,atanytimebeforeapatentisgranted,withdrawtheapplication.

Conversion of patent application

33. (1) The applicantmay at any timebefore a patent is grantedorrefused,intheprescribedmanner,applytotheRegistrarforthepatentapplicationtobeconvertedtoanapplicationforautilitymodelascontemplatedinsection90(1).

(2) Suchapplicationforautilitymodelmustbeaccordedasitsfilingdate,thefilingdateofthepatentapplicationasprovidedforinsection34.

Filing date

34. (1) TheRegistrarmustaccordasthefilingdateoftheapplication,the date of receipt of the application, provided that at the time of its receipt, theapplicationcontains–

(a) anexpressorimplicitindicationthatthegrantingofapatentissought;

(b) information allowing the identity of the applicant to be established;and



(c) adescriptionwhich,onthefaceofit,appearstobeaspecificationinrespectofaninvention.

(2) IftheRegistrarfindsthattheapplicationdidnot,atthetimeofreceipt,complywiththerequirementsofsubsection(1),theRegistrarmustinvitetheapplicanttofiletherequiredcorrectionwithintheprescribedtime.

(3) TheRegistrarmustaccordasthefilingdateoftheapplicationthedateofreceiptoftherequiredcorrectionreferredtoinsubsection(2).

(4) Where theapplicant fails tomake the requiredcorrectionwithin theprescribedtime,theapplicationmustbetreatedasifithadnotbeenfiled.

(5) Where the application refers to drawings which in fact were notincludedintheapplication,theRegistrarmustinvitetheapplicanttofurnishthemissingdrawingswithintheprescribedtime.

(6) Iftheapplicantcomplieswiththeinvitationreferredtoinsubsection(5),theRegistrarmustaccordasthefilingdateoftheapplication,thedateofreceiptofthemissingdrawings.

(7) If the applicant fails to comply with the invitation referred to insubsection(5),theRegistrarmustaccordasthefilingdateoftheapplication,thedateofreceiptoftheapplicationandmusttreatanyreferencetothesaiddrawingsasnon-existent.

PART 4EXAMINATION OF APPLICATION AND GRANT OF PATENT

Examination as to form and unity of invention

35. Afteraccordingafilingdate,theRegistrarmustexaminewhether-

(a) theapplicationcomplieswiththerequirementsofsections24,25and26oranyformalrequirementsprescribedunderthisAct;and

(b) informationrequestedundersection30,ifany,hasbeenprovided,

andmustproceedtohavetheapplicationexaminedascontemplatedinsection36orinsuchmannerandbysuchpersonsorinstitutionsasmaybeprescribed.

Examination as to substance

36. (1) WheretheRegistrarissatisfiedthat theapplicationcomplieswiththerequirementsindicatedinsection35,theRegistrarmustexaminetheapplicationorcausetheapplicationtobeexaminedtodeterminewhether–

(a) theclaimedinventionispatentablewithinthemeaningofsections13to16;and



(b) theclaimedinventionisnotexcludedfromprotectionundersections17or18.

(2) An examination contemplated in subsection (1) must be conductedin themannerprescribedand theRegistrarmust take intoaccountanysearch reportestablishedintermsofsection37.

(3) If the Registrar finds, after the application has been examined asenvisagedinsubsection(1)andtakingintoaccountsection37,thattheapplicationdoesnotcomplywiththerequirementsreferredtoinsubsection(1),orcannotbegrantedinthelightoftheresultsofasearchorexaminationreportreferredtoinsection37,heorshemustnotifytheapplicantinthemannerprescribed,settingoutthereasonsforthefinding.

(4) Theapplicantmay,onreceiptofthenotificationreferredtoinsubsection(3)andwithintheprescribedperiod,submitargumentsastowhytheapplication,despitethefindingof theRegistrar,shouldbegranted,orsubmitchanges to thedescription,claimsordrawingstoaddressthefindingoftheRegistrarascontemplatedinsubsection(5).

(5) TheRegistrarmust,ontherequestoftheapplicantwithintheprescribedperiod,makesuchchangesinthedescription,claimsordrawingsofthespecificationas requestedby the applicant in order to remove the reasons for non-compliance asreferred to insubsection (3),except thatnosuchchangewillbeallowed if itwouldresultintheintroductionintothespecificationofmatternotinsubstancedisclosedinthe initialdisclosure,or result inaclaimnot fairlybasedonmatterdisclosed in theinitialdisclosure.

International-type search

37. (1) For the purposes of section 36, theRegistrarmust take intoaccount-

(a) the results of any international search report and any internationalpreliminary examination report established under the Patent Co-operationTreatyinrelationtotheapplication;

(b) a search and examination report submitted under section 30(2)(a)relatingtoacorrespondingforeignapplication,ifany,orafinaldecisionsubmittedundersection30(2)(c)ontherefusaltograntapatentonacorrespondingforeignapplication,ifany,orafinaldecisionsubmittedundersection30(3)relatingtothewithdrawal,surrender,revocationorinvalidationofaforeignpatentapplicationorapatentorothertitleofprotectiongrantedonaforeignpatentapplicationasthecasemaybe,ifany;and

(c) a search and examination report which was carried out upon hisor her request by an external search and examination authority ascontemplatedinsubsection(2).



(2) The Registrar may, instead of or in addition to conducting theexaminationofanapplicationascontemplatedinsection36,refertheapplicationtoanexternalsearchandexaminationauthorityasapprovedbytheMinister.

Grant or refusal of patent

38. (1) If theRegistrar is satisfied that the application as originallyfiledorasamendedcomplieswiththerequirementsofsections35and36theRegistrarmustgrantthepatent.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsections35and36havenotbeencompliedwithdespiteargumentssubmittedintermsofsection36(4)orchangesmadetothedescription,claimsordrawingsinaccordancewithsection27orsection36,theRegistrarmustrefusetheapplicationandnotifytheapplicantaccordingly.

(3) TheRegistrarmust,wheneverpossible,makeafinaldecisionon theapplicationnotlaterthantwoyearsafterthecommencementoftheexaminationreferredtoinsection35.

Registration and publication of patent

39. (1) WheretheRegistrargrantsapatent,heorshemust–

(a) publishareferencetothegrantofthepatentinthebulletin;

(b) issuetotheapplicantacertificateofthegrantofthepatent;and

(c) recordthepatentintherelevantregister.

(2) TheRegistrarmust,onpaymentoftheprescribedfee,makeavailableacopyorcopiesofanypatentgrantedunderthissectiontoanypersonwhorequestsforsuchacopy.

Amendment of patent

40. (1) The owner of the patentmay, at any time after the grant ofthepatent,requesttheRegistrartoamendthepatentinordertolimittheextentoftheprotectionconferredbythepatentorbymakingchangesinthedescription,claimsordrawingsofthepatentprovidedthattheamendmentwouldnot–

(a) result in the introduction into the specification of matter not insubstancedisclosedintheinitialdisclosurecontainedintheapplicationonthebasisofwhichthepatentwasgranted;or

(b) result in a claim which is not wholly within the scope of a claimcontainedinthespecificationbeforetheamendment.

(2) The request for the amendment of a patent must, in the prescribedmanner,bepublishedinthebulletin.



(3) Any person may, within the prescribed time and in the prescribedmanner,opposearequestforamendmentandanyoppositiontoanamendmentmustbedealtwithbytheRegistrarintheprescribedmanner,andtheRegistrarmustdeterminewhetherandonwhatconditions,ifany,theamendmentoughttobeallowed.

(4) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,andifthereisnooppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(3)or,ifthereisopposition,andtheRegistrarissatisfiedthatsuchoppositioniswithoutmerit,heorshemustmaketherequestedchangesinthedescription,claimordrawingsofthepatent.

(5) IftheRegistrarisnotsatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeen compliedwith, or if there is opposition asprovided for in subsection (3)andtheRegistrar issatisfiedthat theoppositionhasmerit,heorshemustrefuse theamendment and refuse tomake the requested changes in the description, claims ordrawingsofthepatent.

PART 5RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF APPLICANT OR OWNER OF PATENT

Rights of applicant or owner of patent

41. Subject tosections43and47(6)and to theprovisionsofPart9, theapplicantortheownerofapatentinNamibiahasthefollowingrights:

(a) theapplicanthastherighttobegrantedthepatent,wheretherelevantprovisionsofthisActhavebeensatisfied;

(b) theownerhastherighttoexploittothepatent;

(c) the owner has the right, within the limits specified in section 43, toexclude all other persons from exploiting in Namibia the patentedinventionwithout his or her authority (suchunauthorised exploitationhereinreferredtoas“infringement”),sothatheorshehasandenjoysthewholeprofitandadvantageaccruingbyreasonoftheinvention;and

(d) the applicant or the owner has the right to assign, or transfer bysuccessionthepatentapplicationorthepatentandtoconcludelicencecontractsfortheexploitationofthepatentedinventioninNamibiabyotherpersonsasprovidedforinPart8.

Obligations of applicant or owner of patent

42. Theapplicantortheownerofapatenthasthefollowingobligations:

(a) the applicant must disclose the invention in a clear and completemannerandinparticulartoindicatethebestmodeforcarryingouttheinvention,inaccordancewiththerequirementsofthisAct;

(b) theapplicantmustgiveinformationconcerningcorrespondingforeignapplicationsandgrants,asrequiredbysection30;



(c) the owner must exploit or work the patented invention in Namibiawithintheprescribedtimelimits;

(d) theapplicantortheownermustpayanyprescribedfees;

(e) theownermustcomplywiththerequirementsofsection70(4)beforeinstitutinganyinfringementproceedings;and

(f) the applicant or owner must comply with any other requirementsprovidedforunderthisAct.

Limitation of rights

43. (1) The following acts do not constitute an infringement of therightsunderapatent,namely–

(a) actsofimportationofpatentedinventionswhichhavebeenputonthemarketinanyterritoryorcountrybytheownerofthepatentorwithhisorherauthorisation;

(b) theuseofpatentedinventionsonaircraft,landvehicles,orvesselsofothercountrieswhichtemporarilyoraccidentallyentertheairspace,territoryorwatersofNamibia;

(c) actsrelatedtoexperimentaluseofthepatentedinventionoractsdoneonanon-commercialscaleforscientificresearch;

(d) useofapatentedinventionforteachingpurposes;

(e) theuseofapatentedinventioninapharmacyorbyamedicaldoctorforthepreparationofamedicineinaccordancewithamedicalprescriptionforindividualcases;or

(f) actsperformedbyanypersonwhoingoodfaith,beforethefilingor,wherepriorityisclaimed,theprioritydateoftheapplicationonwhichthepatentisgranted,wasusingtheinventionorwasmakingeffectiveandseriouspreparationsforsuchuseinNamibia(the“prioruser”).

(2) It isnotaninfringementofapatentforanypersontocarryoutacts,including testing, making, constructing, importing or using the patented inventionsolelyforusesreasonablyrelated to thedevelopmentandsubmissionof informationrequired under any law of Namibia or any other country other than Namibia thatregulatesthemanufacture,construction,distribution,use,importorsaleofanyproduct;except that it isnotpermittedtostockanyproductsof thepatentedinventioninanysubstantialquantitiesforanypurposeotherthanforthedevelopmentorsubmissionoftheinformationrequired.



ARIPO patents

44. (1) Where an application for the grant of a patent inARIPO isfiledwiththeOfficeasthereceivingofficeascontemplatedinArticle2oftheHarareProtocol, the Registrar must without delay transmit the application to the office ofARIPOandperformsuchactsasarerequiredofhimorher,afterwhichtheapplicationmustbeprocessedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheHarareProtocol.

(2) IftheofficeofARIPOdecidestograntapatentonanapplicationandnotifiestheRegistrar,theRegistrarmust–

(a) accordasthefilingdateoftheapplication,thefilingdateaccordedtotheapplicationbytheofficeofARIPO;

(b) determinewhethertheapplicationcomplieswithsections35and36;

(c) if theRegistrarfinds that the requirements referred to insections35and36arenotcompliedwith,communicateinwritingtotheofficeofARIPOwithinsixmonths fromthedateonwhich theRegistrarwasnotified,thatifapatentisgrantedbythatofficethatpatenthasnoeffectinNamibia;

(d) if theRegistrarfinds that the requirements referred to insections35and36arecompliedwith,dealwiththeapplicationinaccordancewithsections38and39.

(3) Apatent grantedbyARIPObyvirtueof theHarareProtocol and inrespectofwhichNamibia isadesignatedState,has thesameeffect inNamibiaasapatent granted under thisAct unless the Registrar has communicated toARIPO inrespectoftheapplicationtherefor,adecisionascontemplatedinsubsection(2)(c).

PART 6DURATION OF PATENT AND ANNUAL FEES

Duration of patent and extension

45. Subjecttosection46,apatentexpires20yearsafterthefilingdateoftheapplicationforthepatentintermsofsection34(1),44(2)(a)or83(2)(c),asthecasemaybe.

Annual fees

46. (1) Inordertomaintainthepatentorpatentapplication,theownerof thepatentor theapplicantforapatentmust, in themannerprescribed,payto theRegistrartheprescribedannualfeeforeachyearstartingoneyearafterthefilingdateoftheapplicationforthegrantofthepatent.

(2) If theownerofapatentor theapplicantforapatent fails topay theprescribedfeewithintheprescribedperiod,theRegistrarmayonrequestbytheownerorapplicant,grantagraceperiodnotexceedingsixmonthswithinwhichtheannualfeeandanyprescribedsurchargemustbepaidbytheownerorapplicant.



(3) If an annual fee is not paid in accordance with the provisions ofsubsection(1)orbeforetheexpirationofsixmonthsreferredtoinsubsection(2),thepatentapplicationisdeemedtohavebeenwithdrawnorthepatentlapses.

Restoration

47. (1) Whereapatentapplicationorapatenthaslapsedowingtothenon-paymentof anyprescribed annual feewithin theprescribedperiodor thegraceperiodreferredtoinsection46,theowneroftheapplicationorthepatentmayintheprescribedmannerandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee,applytotheRegistrarfortherestorationoftheapplicationorthepatent.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheomissionwasunintentionalandthatnounduedelayhasoccurredinthemakingoftheapplication,heorshemustpublishtheapplicationforrestorationinthebulletinintheprescribedmanner,andthereuponanypersonmaywithinsuchperiodasprescribed,givenoticeintheprescribedmannerofoppositiontotherestorationoftheapplicationorthepatent.

(3) Ifthereisnooppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(2),orifthereisoppositionandtheRegistrarissatisfiedthatsuchoppositioniswithoutmerit,heorshemustrestoretheapplicationorthepatent.

(4) Anysuchrestorationoftheapplicationorthepatentissubjecttothepaymentofsuchannualfeesascontemplatedinsection46asremainunpaidatthedateoftherestorationandanyadditionaladministrativechargesincurredbytheRegistrarorpenaltyfeesasmaybeprescribed.

(5) Ifthereisoppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(2)andtheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheoppositionhasmerit,heorshemustrefusetorestoretheapplicationorthepatent.

(6) Theownerofapatentrestoredinaccordancewithsubsections(1)to(4)isnotentitled,intermsoftheprovisionsofsection41,toinstituteanyproceedingsagainstorrecoverdamagesfromanypersonwhoexploitedthepatentedinventionafterthelapseofaperiodofsixmonthsfromthedateonwhichtheannualfeewasdueandbeforethedateonwhichtherequestforrestorationwasadvertised,orwhocommencedexploitation of the patented invention during the aforesaid period and thereaftercontinuestoexploitthepatentedinvention.

(7) Whereapatentapplicationorapatenthasbeenrestoredinaccordancewithsubsections(1)to(4),anypersonwhoduringtheperiodreferredtoinsubsection(6)expendedanymoney,timeorlabourwithaviewtoexploitingthepatentedinventionandwhoispreventedfromsuchexploitationbytherestorationofthepatent,mayapplytotheTribunalforcompensationtobepaidbytheownerofthepatentinrespectofthemoney,timeandlaboursoexpended.

(8) Iftheownerfailstopaythecompensation,ifany,foundtobepayablebytheTribunal,thepatentapplicationorthepatentlapses.



PART 7CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF

PATENT APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS

Change in ownership of applications or patents

48. (1) Anychangeintheownershipofapatentorintheownershipof a patent application,must be in writing and signed by the transferor, unless thetransferorisdeceasedorhasceasedtoexist.

(2) Theownerofapatentorpatentapplicationoranyinterestedpartymayin theprescribedmanner request theRegistrar tochangeownershipof thepatentorpatentapplication.

(3) Onreceiptofanapplicationmadeundersubsection(2)–

(a) theRegistrarmustrecordthechangeintheappropriateregister;and

(b) exceptinthecaseofthetransferofanapplication,theRegistrarmustpublishanysuchchangeinthebulletin.

(4) AchangeintheownershipofanytitlementionedinthissectionhasnoeffectagainstthirdpartiesunlessithasbeenrecordedbytheRegistrarintheappropriateregister.

Joint ownership of patent applications

49. (1) Where twoormorepersonshave jointlyfiledanapplicationforapatent,thejointapplicantshave,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary,equalundividedsharesintheapplication,andnoneofthemmaywithouttheconsentof theother jointapplicantorapplicantsdeal inanywaywith theapplication,but ifanyproceedingsarerequired tosave theapplicationfrombecomingabandoned,anyapplicantmayinstitutesuchproceedingsonbehalfofhimselforherselfandanyotherjointapplicant.

(2) If any dispute arises between joint applicants as to their respectiverightsinandtoanapplicationforapatentorastothemannerinwhichtheapplicationistobeproceededwithorthemannerinwhichtheymaydealwiththeapplicationorexploittheinvention,anysuchjointapplicantmayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(3) Unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, the person who makes anapplication in termsofsubsection(2) is liable forallcostsandexpenses incurred inrespectofproceedingsintermsofthatsubsection.

(4) IftheTribunalissatisfiedthatajointapplicantisunableorunwillingtoproceedasjointapplicant,theTribunalmayinthemannercontemplatedinsection22,orderthatheorsheassignhisorherrightstoanyjointapplicantableandwillingsotoproceed,providedthatwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,theTribunalmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtotheassignor.



(5) Inanyproceedingsintermsofsubsection(2)theTribunalmust,unlessitappearsthattherearegoodreasonstothecontrary,resolvethedisputeinamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationoftheapplicationandthegrantofapatent.

Joint ownership of patents

50. (1) Whereapatentisgrantedtotwoormorepersonsjointly,eachofthejointpatentownersis,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary,entitledtoanequalundividedshareinthepatent.

(2) Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(4),ajointpatentowneris,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontraryandintheabsenceofconsentoftheotherjointpatentowner,notentitledto–

(a) make, import, dispose of, offer for disposal or use the patentedinvention;

(b) grantalicenceortoassignthewholeoranypartofhisorherinterestinthepatent;or

(c) takeanystepsorinstituteanyproceedingsrelatingtothepatent.

(3) Despitesubsection(2),ajointpatentownermaypayanyrenewalfeethatispayablewithoutrecoursetoanyotherpatentowner,unlesstheTribunaldirectsotherwiseinproceedingsintermsofsubsection(7).

(4) Whereapatentedinventionisdisposedofbyajointpatentowner,theacquireroranypersonclaimingthroughhimorherisentitledtodealwithitinthesamemannerasifthearticlehadbeendisposedofbythepatentownersjointly.

(5) Anyjointpatentownermayinstituteproceedingsforinfringementandmustgivenoticethereoftoeveryotherjointpatentowner,andanysuchotherpatentownermayinterveneasco-plaintiffandrecoveranydamagesinrespectofanydamageheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.

(6) Ifinanyproceedingsundersubsection(5)damagesareawardedtoaplaintiff,damagesmustbeawardedasifheorshewerethesolepatentowner,andthedefendantisnotobligedtocompensateanyotherjointpatentownerinrespectoftheinfringementinquestion.

(7) Where any dispute arises between joint patent owners as to theirrespectiverightsinortoapatent,theinstitutionofproceedingsrelatingtothepatentorthemannerinwhichtheyshoulddealwiththepatentorthepatentedinvention,anyjointpatentownermayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(8) If in considering any application under subsection (7) the Tribunalissatisfiedthatajointpatentownerisunableorunwillingtoremainapatentowner,theTribunalmayorderhimorhertoassignhisorherrightstoanyotherjointpatentownerableandwillingsotoremainbut,whereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,itmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtosuchjointpatentownerwhoissoorderedtoassignhisorherrights.



(9) Inconsideringanyapplicationundersubsection(7)theTribunalmust,unless itappears that therearegoodreasons to thecontrary, resolve thedispute inamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationandexploitationofthepatent.


Form and recordal of licence

51. (1) TheownerofapatentapplicationorapatentmayenterintoacontractwithoneormoreotherpersonstoauthorisesuchpersonorpersonstoexploittheinventioncoveredbythepatentapplicationorthepatentinNamibia(hereinreferredtoasa“voluntarylicence”).

(2) Avoluntarylicencecontractconcerninganapplicationforapatentorapatentmustbesubmitted to theRegistrar in theprescribedmannerandwithin theprescribedperiod.

(3) TheRegistrarmust–

(a) recordthegrantofthelicenceintheappropriateregister;

(b) keepcontentsofthelicenceconfidential;and

(c) publishareferencetothegrantofthelicenceinthebulletin.

(4) Alicencecontracthasnoeffectagainstthirdpartiesuntilsuchrecordaliseffected.

(5) The recordal of a licence under subsection (2)may be cancelled onrequesttotheRegistrarintheprescribedmanner,accompaniedbyproofthatthelicencehasexpiredorhasbeenterminated.

Prohibited terms in licences

52. (1) Anyconditioninacontractrelatingto thesaleofapatentedinventionortoalicenceunderapatentofwhichtheeffectwillbe–

(a) to prohibit or restrict the purchaser or licensee from purchasing orusinganyproductorprocessorclassofproductsorprocesses,whetherpatentedornot,suppliedorownedbyanypersonotherthanthesellerorlicensororhisorhernominee;

(b) toprohibitorrestrictthepurchaserorlicenseefromusinganyproductorprocessnotprotectedbythepatent;

(c) torequirethepurchaserorlicenseetoacquirefromtheseller,licensororhisorhernomineeanyproductorprocessorclassofproductsorprocessesnotprotectedbythepatent;



(d) to requireor induce thepurchaseror licensee toobserve a specifiedminimum resale price in respect of any article or class of articlesprotectedbythepatent;or

(e) to prohibit or restrict the making, using, exercising or disposing oftheinventionconcernedinanycountryinwhichtheinventionisnotpatented,

isinvalid.

(2) Nothinginthissectionaffectsanyconditioninacontract–

(a) wherebyapersonisprohibitedfromsellinganygoodsotherthanthoseofaparticularperson;or

(b) fortheleaseoforalicencetouseapatentedarticle,wherebythelessororlicensorreservestohimselforherselforhisorhernomineetherightto supply suchnewpartsof thepatentedarticle,other thanordinaryarticlesofcommerce,asmayberequiredtoputorkeepitinrepair.

(3) TheMinistermay,afterconsultationwiththeRegistrar,bynoticeintheGazettedeclareanyotherconditioninalicencetobeaconditiontowhichsubsection(1)appliesand thatcondition ifcontained ina licence is invalid for thepurposesofsubsection(1).

Rights of licensee

53. Intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary–

(a) avoluntarylicencetomakeapatentedproductcarrieswithittherighttoexploit thepatentedproduct, including the right touseoroffer todisposeofordisposeofthepatentedproduct;

(b) avoluntarylicencetouseorexerciseapatentedprocesscarrieswithittherighttoexploitthepatentedprocess,includingtherighttomake,useoroffertodisposeofordisposeoftheproductoftheprocess;and

(c) anexclusivevoluntarylicencecarrieswithittherightforthelicenseetoexploitthepatenttotheexclusionofallothers,includingtheownerofthepatent,

but such licensee has no right to institute proceedings against third parties for theinfringementofthepatentunlessthelicencecontractprovidesforsuchrightorsection70(2)applies.

Effect of non-grant or invalidation of patent

54. (1) Anycontract,insofarasitrelatestoalicenceunderapatentapplicationorapatenttomake,use,exercise,offertodisposeof,disposeoforimportapatentedinvention,terminatesonthedateonwhichapatentisrefusedontheapplication



underwhichthelicencewasgranted,oronwhichthepatent,underwhichthelicencewasgranted,expires,isrevokedorotherwiseceasestoprotectsuchinvention.

(2) Whereacontractrelatestolicencesundermorethanoneapplicationorpatent,suchpartofthecontractasrelatestoanyparticularlicenceterminateswhentheapplicationorthepatentunderwhichitwasgrantedisrefusedorexpires,isrevokedorotherwiseceasestoprotecttheinventionconcerned,andthecontractasawholemustterminatewhenallthepatentsunderwhichallsuchlicencesweregrantedandwhichwereinforceatthetimewhenthecontractbecameoperative,expire,arerevokedorotherwiseceasetoprotecttherelevantinventions.

(3) Nothing in this sectionaffects any right to terminate a contractor aconditioninacontractindependentlyofthissection.

PART 9COMPULSORY LICENCES

Compulsory licence for non-working or insufficient-working

55. (1) Anypersonmay,aftertheexpirationofaperiodoffouryearsfromthedateoffilingofthepatentapplicationorthreeyearsfromthedateofthegrantofthepatent,whicheverperiodexpireslast,intheprescribedformandmannermakeanapplicationtotheTribunaltoexploitapatentedinventioninNamibia.

(2) On receipt of an application made under made subsection (1), theTribunalmay grant such person a compulsory licence to exploit the patent on suchtermsandconditionsasdeterminedbytheTribunal,ifthepatentedinventionwasnotadequatelyexploitedinNamibiabytheownerofthepatentorhisorherlicenseebyworkingtheinventionlocally.

(3) Despitesubsection(2),acompulsorylicencemaynotbegrantediftheownerofthepatentsatisfiestheTribunalthatcircumstancesexistwhichjustifythelackofadequateexploitationoftheinvention.

(4) OnrequestmadetotheTribunalofanypersonwhoprovesthattherightsinapatentarebeingabused,theTribunalmaygrantsuchapersonacompulsorylicencetoexploitthepatentonsuchtermsandconditionsasdeterminedbytheTribunal.

(5) Thepersontowhomacompulsorylicenceisgrantedundersubsection(2)or(4)hastherighttoexploitthepatentedinventioninNamibia,otherwisethanbyimportingthepatentedinvention,accordingtothetermsandconditionssetoutinthedetermination by theTribunal, andmust commence the exploitation of the patentedinventionwithinthetimelimitfixedinthatdeterminationand,thereafter,mustexploitthepatentedinventiontoanadequateextent.

(6) Acompulsorylicencegrantedunderthissectionisnon-exclusiveandinparticulardoesnotexclude-

(a) theexploitationbytheownerofthepatentofhisorherrightsundersection41;



(b) thegrantingofvoluntarylicencestothirdpartiesbytheownerofthepatentundersection51;or

(c) thegrantingofothercompulsorylicencesunderthissectionorsection56or57.

(7) The decision by theTribunal granting the compulsory licencemustdetermine-

(a) thescopeandfunctionofthelicence;

(b) the time limit within which the licensee must begin to exploit thepatentedinvention;and

(c) theamountoftheadequatecompensationtobepaidtotheownerofthepatentandtheconditionsofpayment.

(8) Whenmakingadecisionundersubsection(7)theTribunalmusttakethefollowingconsiderationsintoaccount:

(a) that the scope of the exploitation of the patented invention by thelicensee must be limited to the purpose for which the licence wasauthorised;

(b) that,afterhearingbothparties,thetermsandconditionsofthelicencemaybevaried to the extent that changed circumstances justify suchvariation;and

(c) that thecompensation tobepaid to theownerof thepatentmustbereasonable in the circumstances, taking into account the economicvalueofthelicence.

(9) ApartywhoisaggrievedbythedecisionoftheTribunalmadeunderthissection,mayappealagainstthedecisiontothecourt.

Compulsory licence based on interdependence of patents

56. (1) Iftheinventionclaimedinapatent(hereinreferredtoasthe“laterpatent”)cannotbeexploitedinNamibiawithoutinfringingapatentgrantedonthebasisofanapplicationhavinganearlierfilingdateor,whereappropriate,prioritydate(hereinreferredtoasthe“earlierpatent”),andprovidedthattheinventionclaimedinthelaterpatentinvolvesanimportanttechnicaladvanceofconsiderableeconomicsignificanceinrelationtotheinventionclaimedintheearlierpatent,theTribunalmay,onapplicationmadeintheprescribedmannerbytheownerofthelaterpatent,granttotheownerofthelaterpatentacompulsorylicenceundertheearlierpatenttotheextentnecessarytoavoidinfringementoftheearlierpatent.

(2) Whereacompulsorylicenceisissuedundersubsection(1),theTribunalmust,onapplicationintheprescribedmannerbytheowneroftheearlierpatent,granttotheowneroftheearlierpatentacompulsorylicenceonreasonabletermsinrespectofthelaterpatent.



(3) Inthecaseofanapplicationfortheissuanceofacompulsorylicenceundersubsections(1)and(2),theprovisionsofsections55(6),(7)and(8)relatingtotheconditionsforthegrantofacompulsorylicencedo,withthenecessarychanges,apply,exceptthatnotimelimitneedstobedeterminedfortheexploitationtocommence.

(4) In thecaseofacompulsorylicenceissuedundersubsection(1),anytransferofthelicencemaybemadeonlywiththetransferofthelaterpatent,or,inthecaseofacompulsorylicenceissuedundersubsection(2),onlywiththetransferoftheearlierpatent.

(5) ApartywhoisaggrievedbythedecisionoftheTribunalmadeunderthissection,mayappealagainstthedecisiontothecourt.

Compulsory licence in public interest

57. (1) Where–

(a) thepublic interest, inparticularnationalsecurity,nutrition,healthorthe development of other vital sectors of the national economy, sorequires;

(b) anationalemergencyorcircumstancesofextremeurgencyhavearisen,includingapublichealthcrisis,whichrequirestheuseofthepatentedinvention;

(c) theNamibianCompetitionCommission(hereafter“theCommission”)establishedintermsoftheCompetitionAct,2003(ActNo.2of2003)(hereafter“theCompetitionAct”)hasdetermined that themannerofexploitation, of the patent by the owner of the patent or his or herlicensee, constitutes a restrictive business practice prohibited underPartIorPartIIofChapter3oftheCompetitionAct,andtheMinisterissatisfiedthattheexploitationoftheinventioninaccordancewiththissectionwouldremedysuchpractice;

(d) aninterestedpartyhasunsuccessfullyendeavouredatleastforaperiodofsixmonths toobtain thepatentowner’s licencefor theuseof thepatentedinventiononreasonabletermsandconditions,andtherefusalof thepatentownertogranta licencehastheeffect that thetradeorindustryoragricultureofNamibia,orthetradeofaclassofpersonsinNamibia,ortheestablishmentofanynewtradeorindustryinNamibiaisbeingprejudicedanditisinthepublicinterestthatalicenceshouldbegranted;or

(e) a patented product relates to a pharmaceutical product in respectof which Namibia has insufficient or no manufacturing capacity ascontemplatedin theDecisionof theGeneralCouncilof theWTOofAugust30,2003or inArticle31bisofTRIPS,anda licence for theimportationofthepatentedproductisrequiredascontemplatedinthesaiddecisionorarticle,



theMinistermay,on submission tohimorherof anapplicationas contemplated insubsection(3),decidethat,evenwithouttheconsentoftheownerofthepatent,athirdpersondesignatedbytheMinistermaybeauthorisedbywayofacompulsorylicencetoexploitapatentedinvention,includingbytheimportationofthepatentedinvention,onsuchtermsandconditionsasdeterminedbytheMinister.

(2) The exploitation of the patented invention under a licence grantedunderthissectionislimitedtothepurposeforwhichitwasauthorisedandissubjecttothepaymenttotheownerofthepatentofanadequatecompensationtherefor,takingintoaccounttheeconomicvalueoftheMinister’sauthorisation,asdeterminedinthesaiddecision,and,whereadecisionhasbeentakenundersubsection(1)(c),theneedtocorrecttherestrictivebusinesspractices.

(3) An application may be submitted by any interested party for theMinister’sauthorisationundersubsection(1),whichapplicationmustbeaccompaniedby evidence that the owner of the patent has received, from the person seeking theauthorisation,awrittenrequestforavoluntarylicence,but that thatpersonhasbeenunabletoobtainsuchalicenceonreasonabletermsandconditionsand,inthecaseofanapplicationundersubsection(1)(d),withinaperiodofsixmonthsfromthewrittenrequest.

(4) Where importation takes places pursuant to the Decision of theGeneralCounciloftheWTOofAugust30,2003orArticle31bisofTRIPSwhicheverisapplicableascontemplatedinsubsection(1)(e),andtheexportingcountryissuesacompulsorylicenceforthesamepatentedinvention,nocompensationispayabletotheownerofthepatentascontemplatedinsubsection(2).

(5) Theprovisionsof subsection (3)with regard toaprior request foravoluntarylicencedonotapplyincasesof–

(a) national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency ascontemplatedinsubsection(1)(b);

(b) publicnon-commercialuse;and

(c) restrictivebusinesspracticesdeterminedassuchbytheCommissioninaccordancewithsubsection(1)(c),

except that, in suchcases theownerof thepatentmustbenotifiedof theMinister’sdecisionassoonasisreasonablypracticable.

(6) Theexploitationofapatentedinventioninthefieldofsemi-conductortechnologymayonlybeauthorisedunderthissectioneitherforpublicnon-commercialuseorwhere theCommissionhasdetermined that themannerofexploitationof thepatented invention,by theownerof thepatentorhisorher licensee, is a restrictivebusinesspracticeprohibitedundertheCompetitionActandiftheMinisterissatisfiedthattheissuanceofthenon-voluntarylicencewouldremedysuchpractice.

(7) Anyauthorisationunderthissectionisnon-exclusiveandinparticulardoesnotexclude–



(a) theexploitationbytheownerofthepatentofhisorherrightsundersection41;or

(b) thegrantingofvoluntarylicencecontractstothirdpartiesbytheownerofthepatentundersection51;or

(c) thegrantofacompulsorylicenceundersection55or56.

(8) Where a third person has been designated and authorised by theMinisterascontemplatedinsubsection(1),theauthorisationmayonlybetransferredtoanotherpartytogetherwiththeenterpriseorbusinessofthatthirdpersonorwiththepartoftheenterpriseorbusinesswithinwhichthepatentedinventionisbeingexploited.

(9) Exceptwherethecompulsorylicenseisissuedundersubsection1(c),thecompulsorylicensewillbepredominantlyforthesupplyofthedomesticmarket.

(10) Onwrittenapplicationmadetohimorherbytheownerofthepatent,orbythethirdpersonauthorisedtoexploitthepatentedinvention,theMinistermay,afterhearingtheparties,varythetermsandconditionsofthedecisionauthorisingtheexploitationofthepatentedinventiontotheextentthatchangedcircumstancesjustifysuchvariation.

(11) Onwrittenapplicationmadetohimorherbytheownerofthepatent,theMinistermustterminatetheauthorisationifheorsheissatisfied,afterhearingtheparties,thatthecircumstanceswhichledtothedecisionhaveceasedtoexistandareunlikelytorecur,orthatthethirdpersondesignatedbytheMinisterhasfailedtocomplywiththetermsandconditionsofthedecision.

(12) Despite subsection (11), the Minister may not terminate theauthorisationifheorshesatisfiedthattheneedforadequateprotectionofthelegitimateinterestsofthethirdpersondesignatedbytheMinisterjustifiesthemaintenanceofthedecision.

(13) ApartywhoisaggrievedbythedecisionoftheMinisterwhichismadeunderthissection,mayappealagainstthedecisiontotheTribunal.

(14) Anappealagainstthegrantofacompulsorylicencedoesnotstayorsuspend the use of the patented invention during the appeal process and the patentholder’ssoleremedyislimitedtoanactionfortherecoveryofadequatecompensation.

Procedure for grant of compulsory licences

58. (1) Anapplicationforacompulsorylicenceundersections55,56or57maybesubmittedbyanyinterestedpartyinthemannerprescribed.

(2) Anapplicationmustbeaccompaniedby–

(a) where required, evidence that the owner of the patent has received,fromthepersonseekingthecompulsorylicence,awrittenrequestforavoluntarycontractuallicence,butthatthatpersonhasbeenunableto



obtainsuchalicenceonreasonablecommercialtermsandconditionswithin the prescribed period, except in cases mentioned in section57(6);and

(b) evidenceofthepaymentoftheprescribedfee.

(3) Thepatentowneroranyotherpersonappearingfromtheregistertobeinterestedinthepatentmayintheprescribedmanneropposetheapplication.

(4) TheTribunal,or theMinister,as thecasemaybe,mustconsider theapplicationonitsmeritsandmay–

(a) order thegrant to theapplicantofa licenceonsuchconditionsas it,he or shemay deem fit, including a condition in the circumstancescontemplatedinsection55(5)precludingthelicenseefromimportingintoNamibiaanyproductmadefromoroutofthepatentedinvention;or

(b) ifitorheorsheconsidersthatthegrantofthelicenceisnotjustified,refusetheapplicationandgivereasonsforsuchrefusaltothepersonwhomadetherequest.

Grant and terms of compulsory licences

59. (1) Anycompulsorylicencegrantedundersection55or56isnon-exclusiveandisnottransferableexcepttoapersontowhomthebusinessorthepartofthebusinessinconnectionwithwhichtherightsunderthelicencewereexercisedhasbeentransferred.

(2) TheTribunalortheMinistermayorderthatalicencegrantedintermsofsection55or56or57,asthecasemaybe,bedeemedtohavebeengrantedonthedateonwhichtheapplicationforalicencehasbeenreceived.

(3) Alicencegrantedundersection55or56mustincludeaprovisionthat,subject to adequate protection of the legitimate interests of the licensee, the licencemust,onapplicationbythepatentee,beterminatedifthecircumstanceswhichledtoitsgrantceasetoexistand,intheopinionoftheTribunalareunlikelytorecur.

(4) Anylicencegrantedundersection55or56or57maybeamendedorrevokedbytheTribunalortheMinisterasthecasemaybe.

Rights and obligations of licensee under a compulsory licence

60. Subjecttotheconditionsthatmaybeattachedtoacompulsorylicence,alicenseeunderthisParthasthesamerightsandobligationsasanyotherlicenseeunderapatent.

Recordal of compulsory licences

61. (1) Acompulsorylicencegrantedundersection55or56or57mustbesubmittedtoandretainedbytheRegistrarwhomustkeepitscontentsconfidential



butmustrecordthegrantthereofintheappropriateregisterandmustpublishareferencetosuchgrantinthebulletin.

(2) A compulsory licence has no effect against third parties until therecordalundersubsection(1)hasbeeneffected.

(3) The recordal of the grant of a compulsory licence effected undersubsection(1)maybecancelledonrequesttotheRegistrarintheprescribedmanner,accompaniedbyproofthatsuchlicencehasexpiredorhasbeenterminated.

Licences of right

62. (1) Atanytimeafterthedateofthegrantandsealingofapatent,theownerofapatentmayapplytotheRegistrarforthepatenttobeendorsedwiththewords“licencesofright”andwheresuchanapplicationismadetheRegistrarmust,ifsatisfiedthatthepatentownerisnotprecludedbycontractfromgrantinglicencesunderthepatent,causethepatenttobeendorsedaccordingly.

(2) Whereapatenthasbeenendorsedunderthissection–

(a) anypersonisatanytimethereafterentitledasofrighttoalicenceunderthepatentuponsuchconditionsasmay,intheabsenceofagreement,bedecidedbytheTribunalontheapplicationofthepatentownerorthepersonrequiringthelicence;

(b) the Tribunal may, on the application of the holder of any licencegrantedunderthepatentbeforetheendorsement,ordersuchlicencetobereplacedbyalicencetobegrantedbyvirtueoftheendorsementonconditionstobedecidedbytheTribunal;

(c) nointerdictmay,inproceedingsforinfringementofthepatent(otherthanbytheimportationofgoods),begrantedagainstthedefendantifheorsheundertakestotakealicenceuponconditionstobedecidedbytheTribunal,andtheamount,ifany,recoverablefromthedefendantbywayofdamagesmustinsuchcasenotexceeddoubletheamountwhichwouldhavebeenpayablebyhimorheraslicenseeifsuchalicencehadbeengrantedbeforetheearliestinfringement;and

(d) the renewal feepayable in respectof thepatentafter thedateof theendorsement is one half of the renewal feewhichwould have beenpayableifthepatenthadnotbeensoendorsed.

(3) Thelicenseeunderalicencegrantedbyvirtueoftheendorsementofapatentintermsofthissectionmay,(unlessinthecaseofalicencewheretheconditionsare determined by agreement, the licence otherwise expressly provides), call on thepatentownertoinstituteproceedingsinrespectofanyinfringementofthepatent,andifthepatentownerfailstodosowithintwomonthsafterbeingsocalledupon,thelicenseemayinstituteproceedingsfortheinfringementinhisorherownnameasifheorsheweretheownerofthepatent,joiningthepatentownerasadefendant.



(4) Apatentownersojoinedasadefendantundersubsection(3)isnotliableforanycostsunlessheorsheentersanappearanceandtakespartintheproceedings.

(5) Anapplicationfortheendorsementofapatentintermsofthissectionmustcontainastatement,tobeverifiedinsuchmannerasmaybeprescribed,thatthepatentownerisnotprecludedbycontractfromgrantinglicencesunderthepatent,andtheRegistrarmayrequirefromtheapplicantsuchfurtherevidenceasheorshemaythinknecessary.

(6) Anapplicationunder this section for theendorsementofapatentofadditionmustbedealtwithasanapplicationfortheendorsementofthepatentforthemaininventionalso,andanapplicationmadeunder thissectionfor theendorsementofapatentinrespectofwhichapatentofadditionisinforce,mustbedealtwithasanapplicationfor theendorsementof thepatentofadditionalso,andwhereapatentofadditionisgrantedinrespectofapatentalreadyendorsedunderthissection,thepatentofadditionmustalsobesoendorsed.

(7) EveryendorsementofapatentintermsofthissectionmustberecordedintheregisterandmustbeadvertisedinthebulletinandinsuchothermannerastheRegistrarmaydirect,tobringtheendorsementtothenoticeofinterestedpersons.

PART 10EXPLOITATION BY GOVERNMENT

Exploitation of patented invention by Government or person authorised by Government

63. (1) Forpurposesof thissection“publicinterest”includes,but isnot limited to, publichealth, nutrition, agriculture, national emergency, relief, socialservice,socio-economicdevelopmentandnationalsecuritypurposes.

(2) DespiteanythingtothecontraryinthisAct,whereavitalpublicinterestrequiresthatoneormoreactsofexploitation,includingstocking,beperformedwithrespecttoapatentedinvention,theMinistermaydecidethatthepatentedinventionbe,evenintheabsenceoftheconsentoftheownerofthepatent,exploitedbyagovernmentministry, office or agency as defined in the Public ServiceAct, 1995 (Act No. of1995) (hereafter “government entity”) or by a third person, including a contractor,subcontractor, or any other person, firm or corporation undertaking any activity foranon-commercialpurposefororonbehalfofagovernmententity,designatedbytheMinister.

(3) Authorisationinrelationtotheuseofaninventionunderthissectionmaybegiveneitherbeforeoraftertheuseoftheinvention.

(4) Where theMinister knows,without conducting a patent search, thatitisusingorwilluseorhasusedorwillhaveusedavalidpatent,theMinistermustpromptlynotifythepatentholder.

(5) Anygovernmententityorthirdpersonauthorisedtouseaninventionpursuant to subsection (2) must pay adequate compensation, as determined by theMinister,totheownerofthepatentfortheuseoftheinvention.



(6) Whereexploitationofapatentedinventionpursuanttosubsection(2)involves importationof aproduct and such importation takesplacespursuant to theDecisionoftheGeneralCounciloftheWTOofAugust30,2003orArticle31bisofTRIPSwhicheverisapplicable,andtheexportingcountryissuesacompulsorylicenceforthesamepatentedinvention,nocompensationispayabletotheownerofthepatentascontemplatedinsubsection(5).

(7) TheownerofthepatentmayappealtotheTribunalagainstanydecisionof theMinistermade in termsofsubsection (2)orof theMinistermade in termsofsubsection(5).

(8) AnappealagainstthedecisionoftheMinisterdoesnotstayorsuspendtheuseof thepatented inventionduring the appealprocess, thepatentholder’s soleremedy being limited to a claim against the government entity or the third personauthorisedtousetheinventionfortherecoveryofadequatecompensation.

PART 11SURRENDER, INVALIDATION AND REVOCATION

Surrender of patent

64. (1) A patent owner may at any time, by giving notice in theprescribedmannertotheRegistrar,offertosurrenderhisorherpatent,andtheRegistrarmust,onreceiptofthenotice,givenoticeoftheoffertoanypersonshownintheregistertohaveaninterestinthepatent.

(2) AnypersonmaywithintheprescribedtimelodgeinwritingwiththeRegistraranobjectiontothesurrenderofthepatent.

(3) Ifnoobjection is so lodgedor ifanysuchobjection isoverruledbytheRegistrarortheTribunalafterhavinggiventhepatentownerandtheobjectoranopportunitytobeheard,thepatentisdeemedtohavebeenrevokedasfromthedateofreceiptbytheRegistraroftheofferofsurrender,andtheRegistrarmustadvertisetherevocationofthepatentinthebulletinandmakethenecessaryentriesintheregister.

(4) Anoffer tosurrenderapatentmaynotbeconsideredas longasanyproceedings for infringement or invalidation of that patent are pending before theTribunal,exceptbyconsentofthepartiestosuchproceedings.

Invalidation of patent

65. (1) Anypersonmay,intheprescribedformandmanner,applytotheTribunaltoinvalidateapatent.

(2) An application for invalidationmust be served on the owner of thepatentandmustbenotifiedtotheRegistrarintheprescribedmanner.

(3) Subject to section 67, theTribunalmust invalidate the patent if theperson requesting the invalidation proves that any one of the following grounds forinvalidationappliestothepatent,namely–



(a) thattheownerofthepatentisnottheinventororthesuccessorintitleoftheinventor;

(b) that the grant of the patent is in fraud of the rights of the personrequesting the invalidationor the rightsof anyotherperson throughwhomsuchpersonclaims;

(c) that the grant of the patent was obtained on the strength of a falserepresentation by the applicant which is material and which theapplicant knew to be false at the timewhen the representationwasmade;

(d) thattheinventioncannotbeperformedordoesnotleadtotheresultsandadvantagessetoutinthespecification;

(e) thatanyoftherequirementsofsections12to18,24,25,26,27,28(1)or30hasnotbeencompliedwith;or

(f) that a corresponding patent granted in another country has beeninvalidatedorrevokedinthatcountryonagroundwhichwouldalsoapplyasagroundofinvalidityagainstthepatentinNamibia.

(4) ThefinaldecisionoftheTribunalmustbenotifiedtotheRegistrarwhomustrecorditandpublishassoonaspossibleinthebulletinareferencethereto.

Effects of invalidation

66. Aninvalidatedpatent,andanyclaimofaninvalidatedpatent,mustberegardedasnon-exisitentfromthedateofthegrantofthepatent.

Amendment of patent in invalidation proceedings

67. IftheTribunal,inthecaseofanapplicationfortheinvalidationofapatentascontemplatedinsection65,issatisfiedthatanamendmentofthepatentwillremovethegroundofinvalidity,itmayupholdthepatentsubjecttosuchamendmentandsubjecttosuchtermsorconditionsasitdeemsfit.

Revocation of patent in public interest

68. (1) WheretheMinisterisofopinionthatapatentorthemodeinwhichitisexercisedisinimicaltotheinterestsoftheStateorgenerallyprejudicialtothepublic,andtheMinisterissatisfiedthattheprejudicecannotberemediedbywayofacompulsorylicence,theMinistermay,aftergivingthepatenteeanopportunitytobeheard,makeadeclarationtothateffectintheGazetteandthereuponthepatentisdeemedtoberevoked.

(2) ApartywhoisaggrievedbythedecisionoftheMinisterwhichismadeunderthissection,mayappealagainstthedecisiontotheTribunal.



PART 12INFRINGEMENT

Acts of infringement

69. (1) Subjecttosections43,47(6),55,56,57,62and63,theownerofapatentinNamibiahas,asprovidedforinsection41,therighttoexcludeallotherpersonsfromexploitinginNamibiathepatentedinventionwithouthisorherauthority.

(2) Subject to sections 43, 47(6), 55, 56, 57, 62 and63, exploitationofapatented inventionbyanypersonwithout theauthorityof theownerof thepatentconstitutesaninfringement.

(3) The owner of the patent has, in addition to the right granted undersubsection(1),therighttopreventanypersonfromprocuringorincitingthirdpartiestoperformactswhichwouldresultintheinfringementofthepatent.

Infringement proceedings

70. (1) Subjecttosection62(3)concerningtherightofalicenseeofright to institute infringementproceedingsafterunsuccessfully requesting theownerofapatenttodoso,proceedingsforinfringementofapatentmaybeinstitutedintheTribunalbytheownerofthepatent.

(2) Alicenseeunderavoluntarylicencemaycallupontheownerofthepatent to instituteproceedings in respectofan infringementof thepatent,and if thepatentownerrefusestodoso,thelicenseemayinstitutesuchproceedingsinhisorherownname.

(3) Proceedingsforinfringementmustbeinstitutedandprosecutedinthemannerprescribed.

(4) Beforetheownerinstitutesproceedingsintermsofthissectionheorshemustgivenoticeinwritingofhisorherintentiontodosotoeverylicenseewhosenameisrecordedintheregister,andanysuchlicenseeisentitledtointerveneinsuchproceedingsandtorecoveranydamagesheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.

(5) Inanyproceedingsforinfringementthedefendantmaycounterclaimfortherevocationofthepatentand,bywayofdefence,relyuponanygroundonwhichapatentmayberevoked.

Remedies

71. (1) WhereapatentgrantedandrecordedintermsofthisActhasbeeninfringedandtheowneroralicenseehasinstitutedproceedingsascontemplatedinsection62(3)or70,theTribunalmaygranttheownerorthelicenseethefollowingrelief,namely–

(a) aninterdict;



(b) anorderforanyinfringingproductorprocessoranyarticleorproductofwhichtheinfringingproductorprocessformsaninseparableparttobedelivereduptotheowner;

(c) damages;

(d) in lieuofdamages,attheoptionoftheownerorlicensee,areasonableroyaltywhichwouldhavebeenpayablebyalicenseefortheuseofthepatentedinventionconcerned.

(2) For the purposes of determining the amount of any damages orreasonableroyaltytobeawardedunderthissection,theTribunalmaydirectanenquirytobeheldandmayprescribesuchproceduresforconductingsuchenquiryasitmaydeemfit.

(3) Despite subsection (1), the patent holder or licensee’s sole remedyin situations mentioned in section 55, 56, 57 and 63, is the recovery of adequateremuneration.

Declaration of non-infringement

72. (1) InproceedingsbetweenanypersonandthepatentownertheTribunalmay,despite that no assertion to the contraryhasbeenmadeby thepatentowner,makeadeclarationthattheusebythatpersonofanyprocessorthemakingoruseoroffertodisposeordisposalorimportationofanyproductbythatperson,doesnotorwouldnotconstituteaninfringementofapatent,ifitisproved–

(a) thatsuchpersonhasappliedinwritingtothepatentownerforawrittenacknowledgement to the effect of the declaration claimed, and hasfurnishedthepatentownerwithfullparticularsoftheprocessorarticleinquestion;and

(b) thatthepatentownerhasfailedtogivesuchanacknowledgement.

(2) Thecostsofallparties toproceedingsforadeclaration institutedbyvirtueofthissectionmaybeawardedinsuchmannerastheTribunalmaydeemfit.

Threat of infringement proceedings

73. (1) Any person threatened with infringement proceedings whocanprovethattheactsperformedortobeperformedbyhimorherdonotconstituteinfringementofthepatentmayrequesttheTribunaltograntaninterdicttoprohibitsuchthreatsandawarddamagesforfinanciallossresultingfromthethreats.

(2) Proceedingsundersubsection(1)maynotbeinstitutedafterfiveyearsfromthedateofthethreats.

(3) Themerenotificationoftheexistenceofapatentdoesnotconstituteathreatwithinthemeaningofsubsection(1).



(4) The defendant in proceedings under subsection (1) may apply bywayofacounterclaimforanyrelieftowhichheorshewouldbeentitledinseparateproceedingsinrespectofanyinfringementbytheplaintiffofthepatenttowhichthethreatrelates.

Relief for partial infringement

74. (1) If the validity of a patent is put in issue in proceedings forinfringement of the patent and it is found that the patent is only partially valid, theTribunalmay,subjecttosubsection(2),grantreliefinrespectofthatpartofthepatentfoundtobevalidandinfringed.

(2) Whereinanysuchproceedingsitisfoundthatapatentisonlypartiallyvalid, theTribunalmay not grant relief in the form of damages, costs or expenses,exceptwherethepartyrelyingonthepatentprovesthatthespecificationwasframedingoodfaithandwithreasonableskillandknowledgeand,inthatevent,theTribunalmaygrantreliefinrespectofthepatentwhichisvalidandinfringed,subjecttothediscretionoftheTribunalastocostsorexpensesandastothedatefromwhichdamagesshouldbereckoned.

(3) As a condition of relief under this section, the Tribunal may directthatthespecificationbeamendedtoitssatisfactionuponanapplicationmadeforthatpurposeunderthissectionandanapplicationmaybesomadeaccordingly,whetherornotallotherissuesintheproceedingshavebeendetermined.

(4) Where inanyproceedings for infringementofapatent, theTribunalfindsthatanyclaiminthecompletespecificationinrespectofwhichinfringementisalleged, isvalid,but thatanyotherclaimtherein is invalid, thefollowingprovisionsapply,namely:

(a) if a counterclaim for the revocation of the patent has beenmade inthe proceedings on the ground of the invalidity of any claim in thespecification, theTribunalmay postpone the operation of any orderissuedthereonforsuchtimeasmayberequiredtoenablethepatentowner to effect any amendment of the specification pursuant to theconditionsimposedbytheTribunal,andtheTribunalmayattachsuchotherconditiontoanyordertobeissuedonthecounterclaimasitmaydeemfit;and

(b) whenthespecificationhasbeenamendedintermsofparagraph(a),theTribunalmay,subjecttosuchorderastocostsasitmayissueandastothedatefromwhichdamagesmustbecalculated,grantreliefinrespectofanyclaimwhichhad,beforetheamendment,beenfoundtobevalidandinfringed,andinexercisingthisdiscretiontheTribunalmaytakeintoconsiderationtheconductofthepatentownerininsertinginthespecificationthoseclaimswhichhadbeenfound,beforeamendment,tobeinvalidorpermittingsuchclaimstoremainthere.



Presumption of use of patented process

75. (1) Without derogating from the provisions of section 41(2) orsection69(1)aclaiminrespectofapatentforaprocessoranapparatusforproducingany productmust be construed as extending to such productwhen produced by theprocessorapparatusclaimed.

(2) Iftheinventionforwhichapatentisgrantedisaprocessforobtaininganewproductandifthereissubstantiallikelihoodthattheidenticalproductwasmadebytheprocessandtheownerofthepatenthasbeenunablethroughreasonableeffortstodeterminetheprocessactuallyused,theidenticalproductproducedbyapersonotherthanthepatentowneroralicenseeunderthatpatentis,unlessthecontraryisproved,deemed,inanyproceedings,tohavebeenobtainedbythatprocess.

(3) Intheadductionofprooftothecontrarypursuanttosubsection(2),thelegitimateinterestsofthepersonotherthanthepatentowneroralicenseeinprotectingtheirmanufacturingandbusinesssecretsmustbetakenintoaccount.

(4) Inconsideringwhetheranypersonhasdischarged theonus imposeduponhimorherbythissection,theTribunalmaynotrequiresuchpersontodiscloseanysecretprocessusedbyhimorherinproducingtheproductconcerned,ifitappearstotheTribunalthatitwouldbeunreasonabletodoso.

PART 13INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS UNDER

THE PATENT CO-OPERATION TREATY AND OTHER INTERNATIONALARRANGEMENTS

Application of Patent Co-operation Treaty and definitions

76. (1) The PatentCo-operationTreaty (hereafter “theTreaty”), theRegulationsmade thereunder and theAdministrative Instructionsmade under thoseRegulationsmustbegiventheforceoflawinNamibia.

(2) Any reference in this Part to the Treaty includes reference to theRegulationsandAdministrativeInstructionsmadeunderthoseRegulations.

(3) TheOfficemustprocessinternationalapplicationsinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisAct,theTreaty,andtheRegulationsmadethereunder.

(4) WheretheprovisionsofthisActconflictwiththoseoftheTreaty,theprovisionsoftheTreatyprevail.

(5) ForthepurposesofthisPart,“designate”,“designatedoffice”,“elect”,“electedoffice”,“internationalapplication”,“internationalfilingdate”,“internationalpreliminary examination” and “receiving office” and any other term or expressiondefinedorusedinthisParthasthesamemeaningsasinArticle2oftheTreaty.



Filing date and effect of international application designating Namibia

77. (1) An international application designating Namibia for thepurposesofanationalpatenthasasitsfilingdate,theinternationalfilingdateaccordedunderArticle11oftheTreaty.

(2) AninternationalapplicationdesignatingNamibiaforthepurposesofanationalpatenthas,subjecttothisPart,thesameeffectasandmustbetreatedasanapplicationforapatentfiledunderthisAct.

The Office as receiving office

78. (1) The Office must, unless an agreement is in force undersubsection(2),actasareceivingofficeinrespectofanyinternationalapplicationfiledwithitbyaresidentornationalofNamibia.

(2) TheOfficemay,withtheconsentoftheMinister,makeanagreementreferred to in rule 19(1)(b) of the Regulations under the Treaty whereby anintergovernmentalorganisationorthenationalofficeofanothercontractingstateoftheTreatymayactinsteadofandonbehalfoftheOfficeasreceivingofficeforapplicantswhoareresidentsornationalsofNamibia.

Filing of international applications with the Office

79. (1) Subjecttosection78(2),aninternationalapplicationfiledwiththeOfficeasreceivingofficemustbefiledinEnglishand-

(a) the prescribed transmittal feemust be paid to theOfficewithin onemonthfromthedateofreceiptoftheinternationalapplication;and

(b) theinternationalfeeandthesearchfeespecifiedinrules15and16oftheRegulationsundertheTreatymustbepaidtotheOfficewithinthetimelimitsspecifiedinthesaidrules.

(2) If the applicant fails to comply with any of the requirements ofsubsection (1)within the time limits referred to in that subsection, the internationalapplicationmustbeconsideredwithdrawnforthepurposesofthisAct.

The Office as designated office

80. TheOfficemustactasthedesignatedofficeinrespectofaninternationalapplication inwhichNamibia is designated for the purposes of obtaining a nationalpatentunderthisAct.

The Office as elected office

81. TheOfficemustactastheelectedofficeinrespectofaninternationalapplicationinwhichNamibiaisdesignatedasreferredtoinsection80iftheapplicantelects Namibia for the purposes of an international preliminary examination underChapterIIoftheTreaty.



National processing

82. TheOfficeasdesignatedofficeorelectedofficemaynotcommenceprocessingofthenationalphaseofaninternationalapplicationdesignatingorelectingNamibia for thepurposesofanationalpatentbefore theexpirationof the time limitreferredtoinsection79exceptiftheapplicantcomplieswiththerequirementsofthatsectionandfileswiththeOfficeanexpresswrittenrequestforearlycommencementofsuchprocessing.

Entering national phase

83. (1) The applicant in respect of an international applicationdesignating Namibia for the purposes of a national patent must, regardless of theprovisionsofArticles22and39oftheTreaty,beforetheexpirationof31monthsfromtheprioritydateorofsuchlatertimelimitasmaybeprescribed-

(a) paytheprescribednationalfeetotheOffice;and

(b) if the international application was not filed in, or has not beenpublishedundertheTreatyasatranslationintoEnglish,filewiththeOffice,withintheprescribedperiod,atranslationoftheinternationalapplication,containingtheprescribedcontents,intoEnglish.

(2) Whenprocessingthenationalphaseofaninternationalapplication,theOfficemustapplytheprovisionsofthisActapplicabletopatentapplicationsaswellastheTreaty,theRegulationsmadethereunder,andtheAdministrativeInstructionsissuedthereunder,subjecttothefollowingprovisions–

(a) the applicant must be represented by an agent as contemplated inChapter5,whichagentmustbeappointedwithintheprescribedtime;

(b) if the international application is a convention application and theapplicanthascompliedwithrule17.1oftheRegulationsmadeunderthe Treaty, the applicant is deemed to have complied with section29(2);

(c) thefilingdateaccordedtotheinternationalapplicationintermsoftheTreatyisthefilingdateofthenationalphaseapplicationforpurposesofsections45and46;

(d) any amendment or correction of any document forming part ofan international application in accordance with the Treaty or theRegulations made thereunder is deemed to be an amendment orcorrectionunder section28, section36(4) or section40, as the casemaybe,andmaybesetasideasprovidedforinsection220(3)(b)or222(1)(c).

(3) TheRegistrarmay upon applicationmade either before or after theexpiryofthetimelimitorthefurthertimelimitcontemplatedinsubsection(1),extendthetimelimitforafurtherperiodnotexceedingthreemonths.



Failure to enter national phase

84. If the applicant fails to complywith the requirements of section 83withinthetimelimitorextendedtimelimitreferredtointhatsection,thedesignationofNamibiaintheinternationalapplicationisconsideredwithdrawnforthepurposesofthisAct.

Processing international applications in accordance with Patent Co-operation Treaty

85. (1) TheMinistermaysubjecttosubsection(2),prescribeprovisionsconcerningtheprocessingofinternationalapplicationsby,andotherfunctions,oftheOffice under the Treaty, including fees payable, time limits and other requirementsrelatingtointernationalapplications.

(2) Theprovisionsofsection234applytoprovisionsprescribedintermsof this section and concerning the processing of an international application by theOffice.

PART 14UTILITY MODEL CERTIFICATES

Application of provisions relating to patents

86. (1) ForthepurposesofthisPart–

“utilitymodel”meansaninventionwiththeexclusionofaprocess,amicrobiologicalprocessandtheproductsofamicrobiologicalprocess;

“utilitymodelcertificate”meansthetitlegrantedtoprotectautilitymodel.

(2) Subjecttosection87,theprovisionsofthisChapterdoapply,withthenecessarychanges,asifautilitymodelisaninventionandautilitymodelcertificateoranapplicationthereforeisapatentoranapplicationtherefor,asthecasemaybe.

Special provisions relating to utility model certificates

87. (1) Autilitymodelqualifiesforautilitymodelcertificateif it isnewandisindustriallyapplicable.

(2) Sections13and15,insofarastheyrefertoaninventivestep,donotapplyinthecaseofautilitymodelforwhichautilitymodelcertificateisrequested.

(3) Sections 36, 38 and 39 apply in the case of applications for utilitymodelcertificatesexceptinsofarassection36referstosections13and15,andinsofarassection38referstosection37.

(4) Section45doesnotapplyinthecaseofutilitymodelcertificates.

(5) In the case of proceedings under section 65 in respect of a utilitymodelcertificate,theTribunalmayinvalidatetheutilitymodelcertificateonanyofthefollowinggrounds–



(a) that the claimed utility model does not qualify for a utility modelcertificate,havingregardtosubsection(1)andsections14(1)and(2),16,18,86(1)and88(1);

(b) thatthedescriptionandtheclaimsdonotcomplywiththerequirementsundersection24(4)or(5)andanyprescribedrequirements;

(c) thatanydrawingwhichisnecessaryfortheunderstandingoftheutilitymodelhasnotbeenfurnished;

(d) thattheowneroftheutilitymodelcertificateisnottheinventororhisorhersuccessorintitle.

(6) Section65(3)doesnotapplyinthecaseofautilitymodelcertificate.

Duration of utility model certificate

88. (1) Autilitymodelcertificateexpiresattheendoftheseventhyearafterthedateofthefilingoftheapplication.

(2) Noannualfeeispayableduringthetermreferredtoinsubsection(1).

Surrender, invalidation and revocation of utility model certificate

89. Subject to section 87, the provisions of sections 64 to 68 do apply,withthenecessarychanges,inregardtothesurrenderorinvalidationofautilitymodelcertificate as if a utilitymodel is an invention and a utilitymodel certificate or anapplicationthereforeisapatentoranapplicationtherefore,asthecasemaybe.

Conversion of application for utility model certificate or applications for patent

90. (1) Atanytimebeforethegrantorrejectionofapatent,anapplicantforapatentmay,uponpaymentoftheprescribedfee,converthisorherapplicationintoanapplicationforautilitymodelcertificate,whichlatterapplicationmustbeaccordedthefilingdateoftheinitialapplication.

(2) Atanytimebeforethegrantorrejectionofautilitymodelcertificate,anapplicant forautilitymodelcertificatemay,uponpaymentof theprescribed fee,converthisorherapplicationintoanapplicationforapatent,whichlatterapplicationmustbeaccordedthefilingdateoftheinitialapplication.

(3) Nopersonmayconvertanapplicationundersubsection(1)or(2)morethanonce.

PART 15GENERAL

Appeals

91. (1) TheTribunalhasjurisdictioninallcasesofdisputerelatingtothemattersprovidedforinthisChapter,andinallmatterswhichunderthisChaptermaybereferredtotheTribunal.



(2) Anydecision takenby theRegistrarunder thisChapter, including inregardtothegrantofapatentorutilitymodelcertificate,orinregardtotherejectionofanapplicationforsuchagrant,maybethesubjectofanappealtotheTribunalbyaninterestedpartyinthematterbeforetheRegistrar,andsuchappealmustbefiledandprosecutedasprescribed.

(3) Any change or amendment or correction of any document formingpartofanapplicationforapatentorutilitymodelcertificateappliedfororofapatentorutilitymodel certificategrantedunder thisChapter, or anychangeor amendmentor correctionof, or anyprovisionor condition in, anydocument formingpart of anapplicationforacompulsory licenceor thegrantofacompulsory licenceunder thisChaptermay,onapplicationbyaninterestedpartytotheTribunal,besetasidebytheTribunal ifsuchchangeoramendmentorcorrection,orsuchprovisionorcondition,doesnotcomplywiththeprovisionsofthisAct.

CHAPTER3INDUSTRIALDESIGNS

PART 1INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS

Definitions

92. ForthepurposesofthisChapter–

“article”meansanyarticleofmanufacture,includinganitemofhandicraft;

“design”meansanyfeatureorcombinationoffeaturesofformorshapeorconfiguration,oranyfeatureorcombinationof featuresofpatternorornamentation, includinganycompositionoflinesorcolours,appliedtoanarticletogiveitanappearancehavingsuchfeaturesdiscernablebytheeye,butdoesnotincludeanyfeatureservingsolelytoobtainafunctionalortechnicalresult;

“designregistration”meansthetitlegrantedunderthisActtoprotectadesign;

“exploit”,inrelationtoaregistereddesign,meansthedoingofanyactmentionedinsection107forcommercialpurposes;

“International Classification” means the classification according to the LocarnoAgreementof1968establishinganInternationalClassificationforIndustrialDesigns;and

“setofarticles”meansanumberofarticlesofthesamegeneralcharacterintendedtobeusedorsoldtogether,andinrespectofwhichthesamedesign,withsuchmodificationsasmaybeappropriate,isappliedtoeacharticle.

Registrable designs

93. (1) Adesigniscapableofregistrationifitisnew.



(2) A design for an article which is not intended to be multiplied forcommercialpurposesisnotregistrableunderthisAct.

(3) Nofeatureofanarticleinsofarasitisnecessitatedsolelybythefunctionwhichthearticleisintendedtoperform,ornomethodorprincipleofconstructionmayaffordtheregisteredownerofthedesignanyrightsundertheregistration.

(4) A design which is contrary to public order or moralitymay not beregistered,ascontemplatedinsection18asifthedesignisaninvention.

Definition of novelty

94. (1) A design is new if it has not been disclosed to the publicanywhereintheworld,bypublicationinanyform,orbyuseorinanyotherway,priortothefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheapplicationforregistration.

(2) Forthepurposesofsubsection(1)disclosuretothepublicofthedesignmaynotbetakenintoconsiderationifitoccurredwithin12monthsprecedingthefilingdateor,whereapplicable,theprioritydateoftheapplication,andifitwasbyreasonorinconsequenceof–

(a) actscommittedbytheapplicantorhisorherpredecessorintitle,orofanunauthoriseddisclosure;or

(b) anabusecommittedbyathirdpartywithregardtotheapplicantorhisorherpredecessorintitle.

PART 2RIGHT TO LEGAL PROTECTION

Right to legal protection

95. (1) Designs registered under thisAct are entitled to protectionasprovidedforinthisChapterbutsuchprotectiondoesnotexcludeanyotherrightsprovidedforinlaw,inparticularrightsderivedfromcopyright.

(2) Subject to this section and section 97, the right to apply for theregistrationofadesignbelongstothecreatorofthedesign.

(3) Wheretwoormorepersonshavejointlycreatedadesign,therighttoapplyforregistrationbelongstothemjointly.

(4) Wheretwoormorepersonshavecreatedthesamedesignindependentlyofeachother,thepersonwhoseapplicationhastheearliestfilingdateor,ifpriorityisclaimed, theearliestvalidlyclaimedprioritydateandwhichapplication leads to theregistrationofadesignhastherighttothedesignregistrationforthedurationoftheregistration.

(5) Therighttoapplyfortheregistrationofadesignmaybeassigned,ormaybetransferredbysuccessionorotherwisebyoperationoflaw.



Naming of creator

96. Wheretheapplicantisnotthecreatorofthedesign–

(a) heor shemust, if theRegistrar calls therefore, furnish theRegistrarwithastatement,inwritingandintheprescribedmanner,justifyingtheapplicant’srighttotheregistrationofthedesign;

(b) thecreatorofthedesignneednotbenamedintheapplication.

Design created by employee or person commissioned

97. (1) When a design is created in the execution of a commissioncontractor in thecourseofanemploymentcontract, theright to register thatdesignbelongs,intheabsenceofwrittencontractualprovisionstothecontrary,tothepersonwhocommissionedtheworkortotheemployer,asthecasemaybe.

(2) The provisions of section 21(2) to (7) relating to the legal relationshipbetweenanemployeeandanemployerorapersonwhohascommissionedworkdoapplyasifthedesignisaninventionandthedesigncreatorisaninventor.

Judicial assignment of right to a design application or design registration

98. (1) Where a dispute arises between persons as to their rights toobtainadesignregistration,orastotherighttoortitleinadesignregistration,anysuchpartymayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(2) IftheTribunalissatisfiedthatapersonisunableorunwillingtoexercisehisorherrighttofileortoparticipateinanapplicationforadesignregistration,theTribunalmayorderthatpersontoexecuteanassignment,inorderthattheapplicationmaybemadewithoutsuchparticipation,providedthatwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable, theTribunalmayorder thepaymentofcompensationtothenon-participatingperson.

(3) Inanyorderdeclaringthatapersonhasarighttotheexclusionofanyotherpersontoapplyforortobetheownerofadesignregistration,theTribunalmaydirectthatsuchotherpersonmustexecuteanydeedofassignmentthatmayberequiredandthatsuchdeedofassignmentextendstocountriesoutsideNamibia.


Who may apply for registration

99. (1) Theownerofadesignmay,intheprescribedmannerandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee,applyfortheregistrationofthedesign.

(2) Theownerofadesignmustbe-

(a) thecreatorofthedesign;



(b) wherethecreatorofthedesignexecutedtheworkforanotherperson,ascontemplatedinsection97,suchotherperson;

(c) where the ownership in the design has passed to another person,includingbyassignmentorbyoperationof laworassignmentundersection98,suchotherperson;or

(d) by an agent duly authorised to act on behalf of any of the personsreferredtoinparagraphs(a)to(c).

Application for registration

100. (1) An application for the registration of a designmust befiledwiththeRegistrarinthemannerprescribedandmustcontainthefollowing–

(a) arequest,inwriting,thatthedesignistoberegistered,includingthenameofandotherprescribedinformationconcerningtheapplicant;

(b) drawings,photographsorothergraphic representationsof thearticleembodyingthedesign;

(c) a statement, inwriting, indicating the typeof products in respect ofwhichthedesignistobeused;

(d) anindicationoftheclassorclassesoftheInternationalClassificationinwhichthedesignistoberegistered;and

(e) theprescribedapplicationfee.

(2) Where the design is two dimensional, a specimen of the articleembodyingthedesignmaybelodgedinsteadofarepresentation.

(3) Where theapplicant isnot thecreatorof thedesign,heorshemust,if theRegistrar calls therefore, furnish theRegistrarwith a statement, justifying theapplicant’srighttotheregistrationofthedesignasprovidedinsection96.

(4) Theapplicationmay, at the timeoffiling, contain a request that thepublicationofthedesign,uponregistration,bedeferredforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsfromthedateoffilingor,ifpriorityisclaimed,fromthedateofpriority,oftheapplication.

(5) The applicant may, at any time before the registration of a design,withdrawhisorherapplication.

(6) Anapplicationunder this sectionmaybemade in respectof twoormoredesignsrelatingtoarticlesinthesameclassofInternationalClassificationortoasetofarticles.

(7) An application for the registration of a design as contemplated inthissectionmustbeaccompaniedbythepaymentoftheprescribedfeeinthemannerprescribed.



Right of priority

101. Theprovisionsofsection29relatingtotherightofprioritydoapplyasifthedesignisaninventionandtheapplicationforregistrationofthedesignisanapplicationforapatent.

Filing date of application

102. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Registrar must accord as thefilingdatethedateofreceiptoftheapplication.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the Registrar must accord as the filing datethe date referred to in subsection (1) only if the application meets the followingrequirements:

(a) theprescribedapplicationfeeispaid;

(b) theapplicationcontainsthenameorindicationsallowingtheidentityoftheapplicanttobeestablished;and

(c) the application contains a graphic representation of the articleembodyingthedesign.

(3) Section34(2),(3)and(4)relatingtocorrectionstoanapplicationdo,withthenecessarychanges,applyasiftheapplicationforadesignisanapplicationforapatent.

Examination as to form and substance

103. (1) After according a filing date, the Registrar must, in theprescribed manner, further examine whether the application complies with therequirementsofsection100(1),(2)and(3).

(2) IftheRegistrarfindsthattheapplicationcomplieswiththerequirementsofsubsection(1),theRegistrarmustfurtherexaminewhetherthedesigncomplieswiththerequirementsofsections92,93and94.

PART 4REGISTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND AMENDMENT OF DESIGN

APPLICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

Registration of industrial design

104. (1) Where the Registrar finds that the requirements referred insection 103 have been satisfied, either initially or after changes as contemplated insubsection(3),theRegistrarmustregisterthedesign.

(2) Where the Registrar finds that the requirements referred to insubsection (1)havenotbeensatisfied, theRegistrarmustnotify theapplicant in themannerprescribedthattheapplicationdoesnotcomplywiththerequirements,settingoutthereasonsforthefinding,andinvitingtheapplicanttomakesuchchangestothedocumentsasfiledasmaybenecessarytosatisfytherequirements.



(3) TheRegistrarmust,onrequestoftheapplicantwithintheprescribedperiod,make suchchanges to theapplicationaswould remove the reasons fornon-compliance as referred to in subsection (2), provided that no such change will beallowedifitwouldresultintheintroductionofmatternotinsubstancedisclosedintheinitialapplication,orhave the resultof substantiallychanging theappearanceof thedesign.

(4) WheretheRegistrarfindsthatnochangesasreferredtoinsubsection(3)havebeenmadeorthatdespiteanysuchchangestherequirementsofsection103havenotbeensatisfied,theRegistrarmustrefusetheapplication.

Recordal of registration, issuance of certificate and publication of registered design

105. (1) Once the Registrar has registered the design, the Registrarmust record the registration in the register and issue to the applicant a certificateofregistrationofthedesign.

(2) Afterthedesignhasbeenregistered,theRegistrarmustpublishinthebulletinareferencetotheregistration.

Amendment of a design application or registration

106. (1) Theapplicant foror theownerof adesign registrationmay,atanytime,requesttheRegistrartoamendtheapplicationorregistrationbymakingchanges in the representationsor in the statement indicating the typeof products inrespectofwhichthedesignistobeused,inordertoamendtheprotectionconferredbytheregistration,exceptthatnosuchchangewillbeallowedwhichwouldresultinthe introductionofmatternot insubstancedisclosed in the initialapplicationon thebasisofwhichtheregistrationwasappliedfororgranted,orwouldhavetheresultofsubstantiallychangingtheappearanceofthedesign.

(2) Wheretherequestfortheamendmenttakesplaceafterregistrationofthedesign,itmustbepublishedinthebulletinintheprescribedmanner.

(3) In thecircumstancesof subsection (2),anypersonmayopposesuchrequestforamendmentwithintheprescribedtimeandintheprescribedmanner.

(4) AnyoppositiontoanamendmentmustbedealtwithbytheRegistrarin the prescribed manner, and the Registrar must determine whether and on whatconditions,ifany,theamendmentoughttobeallowed.

(5) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,andifthereisnooppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(3)or,ifthereisoppositionandtheRegistrarissatisfiedthatsuchoppositioniswithoutmerit,heorshemustmaketherequestedchangesintheapplicationorregistration.

(6) IftheRegistrarisnotsatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,orifthereisoppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(3)andtheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheoppositionhasmerit,heorshemustrefusetomaketherequestedchangesintheapplicationorregistration.



PART 5RIGHTS CONFERRED BY REGISTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Rights conferred by registration

107. Thepersonregisteredastheownerofadesignregistrationhas,forthedurationoftheregistrationandsubjecttotheprovisionsofthisActandtoanyrightsappearing from the registerofdesigns tobevested in anyotherperson, the right toexcludeallothersfrommaking,importing,usingordisposingorofferingtodisposeofinNamibiaanyarticleincludedintheclassorclassesinwhichthedesignisregisteredandbearingorembodyingtheregistereddesignoradesignnotsubstantiallydifferentfromtheregistereddesign,whensuchactsareundertakenforcommercialpurposes.

Limitations of rights

108. Therightsoftheownerofaregistereddesigndonotextendto–

(a) actsinrespectofarticleswhichhavebeenputonthemarketinNamibiabysuchowner,orwithhisorherwrittenconsent;

(b) theuseofarticlesonaircraft,landvehicles,orvesselsofothercountrieswhichtemporarilyoraccidentallyentertheairspace,territoryorwatersofNamibia;

(c) actsrelatedtoexperimentaluseofthedesignoractsdoneonanon-commercialscaleforscientificresearch;

(d) useofthedesignforteachingpurposes;or

(e) acts thataredoneprivatelyandonanon-commercial scale,or foranon-commercialpurpose.

ARIPO designs

109. (1) WhereanapplicationfortheregistrationofanindustrialdesigninARIPOisfiledwiththeOfficeasthereceivingoffice,theRegistrarmust,withoutdelay,transmittheapplicationtotheofficeofARIPO,whereupontheapplicationmustbeprocessedfurtherinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheHarareProtocol.

(2) IftheofficeofARIPOdecidestoregisteradesignonanapplicationandnotifiestheRegistrar,theRegistrarmust–

(a) examinetheapplicationinaccordancewithsection103;

(b) if theRegistrarfinds that therequirementsreferred to insection103arenotcompliedwith,communicateinwritingtotheofficeofARIPOwithinsixmonthsfromthedateonwhichtheRegistrarwasnotified,thatifadesignregistrationisgrantedbytheofficeofARIPOthatdesignregistrationhasnoeffectinNamibia;



(c) iftheRegistrarfindsthattherequirementsreferredtoinsection103arecompliedwith,dealwith theapplication inaccordancewithsections104(1)and105.

(3) An industrial design registration granted by ARIPO by virtue oftheHarare Protocol and in respect ofwhichNamibia is a designated State, has thesame effect in Namibia as a design registration under thisAct unless the Registrarhas communicated to ARIPO in respect of the application therefor, a decision ascontemplatedinsubsection(2)(b).

PART 6DURATION, RENEWAL AND RESTORATION

Duration of registered designs

110. Subjecttosection111,theregistrationinrespectofadesignexpires15yearsafterthefilingdateoftheapplicationforitsregistration.

Renewal of registered designs

111. (1) Inordertomaintainadesignregistration,aprescribedannualrenewalfeemustbepaidtotheRegistrarinthemannerprescribed,startingoneyearafterthefilingdateoftheapplicationfortheregistrationofthedesign.

(2) TheRegistrarmust,onpaymentofsuchsurchargebytheownerofadesignregistrationasmaybeprescribed,givetheowneraperiodofgraceofsixmonthsforthelatepaymentofarenewalfee.

(3) Ifanannualrenewalfeeisnotpaidinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsubsection(1)or(2),thedesignregistrationlapses.

Restoration of design registrations

112. (1) Where a design registration has lapsed owing to the non-paymentofanyprescribedrenewalfeewithintheprescribedperiodorthegraceperiodreferredtoinsection111,theowneroftheregistrationmay,intheprescribedmannerandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee,applytotheRegistrarfortherestorationoftheregistration.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheomissionwasunintentionalandthatnounduedelayhasoccurredinthemakingoftheapplication,heorshemustpublishtheapplicationforrestorationinthebulletinintheprescribedmanner,andthereuponanypersonmaywithinsuchperiodasprescribed,givenoticeintheprescribedmannerofoppositiontotherestorationoftheregistration.

(3) Ifthereisnooppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(2),orifthereisoppositionandtheRegistrarissatisfiedthatsuchoppositioniswithoutmerit,heorshemustrestoretheregistration.

(4) Any such restorationof the registration is subject to thepaymentofsuchrenewalfeesascontemplatedinsection111asremainunpaidatthedateoftherestoration.



(5) If there is opposition as provided for in subsection (2) and theRegistrarissatisfiedthattheoppositionhasmerit,heorshemustrefusetorestoretheregistration.

(6) The owner of a design registration restored in accordance withsubsections (1) to (4) is not be entitled, in terms of section 124, to institute anyproceedingsagainstorrecoverdamagesfromanypersonwhoexploitedtheregistereddesignafter the lapseofaperiodofsixmonths fromthedateonwhich the renewalfeewasdueandbeforethedateonwhichtherequestforrestorationwaspublished,orwhocommencedexploitationoftheregistereddesignduringtheaforesaidperiodandthereaftercontinuestoexploittheregistereddesign.

(7) Where a design registration has been restored in accordance withsubsections(1)to(4),anypersonwhoduringtheperiodreferredtoinsubsection(6)expendedanymoney,timeorlabourwithaviewtoexploitingtheregistereddesignandwhoispreventedfromsuchexploitationbytherestorationoftheregistration,mayapplytotheTribunalforcompensationtobepaidbytheownerofthedesignregistrationinrespectofthemoney,timeandlaboursoexpended.

(8) Iftheownerfailstopaythecompensation,ifany,foundtobepayablebytheTribunal,thedesignregistrationlapses.

PART 7CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF DESIGN

APPLICATIONS AND DESIGN REGISTRATIONS

Change in ownership of applications or registrations

113. (1) Anychangeintheownershipofaregistereddesignordesignapplication,must be inwriting and signedby the transferor, unless the transferor isdeceasedorhasceasedtoexist.

(2) TheownerofaregistereddesignordesignapplicationoranyinterestedpartymayintheprescribedmannerrequesttheRegistrartochangeownershipoftheregistereddesignordesignapplication.

(3) Onreceiptofanapplicationmadeundersubsection(2)–

(a) theRegistrarmustrecordthechangeintheappropriateregister;and

(b) exceptinthecaseofthetransferofanapplication,theRegistrarmustpublishanysuchchangeinthebulletin.

(4) AchangeintheownershipofanytitlementionedinthissectionhasnoeffectagainstthirdpartiesunlessithasbeenrecordedbytheRegistrarintheappropriateregister.

Joint ownership of design applications

114. (1) Wheretwoormorepersonshavejointlyfiledanapplicationforregistrationofadesign,thejointapplicantshave,intheabsenceofanagreementtothe



contrary,equalundividedsharesintheapplication,andnoneofthemmaywithouttheconsentoftheotherjointapplicantorapplicantsdealinanywaywiththeapplication,butifanyproceedingsarerequiredtosavetheapplicationfrombecomingabandoned,anyapplicantmayinstitutesuchproceedingsonbehalfofhimselforherselfandanyotherjointapplicant.

(2) If any dispute arises between joint applicants as to their respectiverightsinandtoanapplicationforadesignorastothemannerinwhichtheapplicationistobeproceededwithorthemannerinwhichtheymaydealwiththeapplicationorexploittheinvention,anysuchjointapplicantmayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(3) Unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, the person who makes asapplicationsintermsofsubsection(2)isliableforallcostsandexpensesincurredinrespectofproceedingsintermsofthatsubsection.

(4) IftheTribunalissatisfiedthatajointapplicant,isunableorunwillingtoproceedasjointapplicant,theTribunalmayinthemannercontemplatedinsection98,orderthatheorsheassignhisorherrightstoanyjointapplicantableandwillingsotoproceed,providedthatwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,theTribunalmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtotheassignor.

(5) Inanyproceedingsintermsofsubsection(2)theTribunalmust,unlessitappearsthattherearegoodreasonstothecontrary,resolvethedisputeinamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationoftheapplicationandtheregistrationofthedesign.

Joint ownership of rights conferred by registration

115. (1) Where registration of a design is granted to two or morepersonsjointly,eachofthemis,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary,entitledtoanequalundividedshareintheregistereddesign.

(2) Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsections(5)and(7),ajointregisteredowneris,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontraryandintheabsenceofconsentoftheotherjointregisteredownerorowners,notentitled-

(a) toperformanyoftheactsreservedexclusivelyforaregisteredownerinsection107;

(b) tograntalicenceortoassignthewholeoranypartofhisorherinterestintheregistereddesign;or

(c) totakeanystepsorinstituteanyproceedingsrelatingtotheregistereddesign.

(3) Despitesubsection(2),ajointregisteredownermaypayanyrenewalfee that is payablewithout recourse to any other design owner, unless theTribunaldirectsotherwiseinproceedingsintermsofsubsection(7).

(4) Where an article embodying a registered design or a design notsubstantiallydifferent from the registereddesign isdisposedofbya joint registered



owner,theacquireroranypersonclaimingthroughhimorherisentitledtodealwithitinthesamemannerasifthearticlehadbeendisposedofbytheregisteredownersjointly.

(5) Anyjointregisteredownermayinstituteproceedingsforinfringementandmustgivenoticethereoftoeveryotherjointregisteredowner,andanysuchotherjointregisteredownermayinterveneasco-plaintiffandrecoveranydamagesinrespectofanydamageheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.

(6) Ifinanyproceedingsundersubsection(5)damagesareawardedtoaplaintiff,damagesmustbeawardedasifheorshewerethesoleregisteredowner,andthedefendantisnotobligedtocompensateanyotherjointregisteredownerinrespectoftheinfringementinquestion.

(7) Whereanydisputearisesbetween joint registeredownersas to theirrespectiverightsinortotheregistereddesign,theinstitutionofproceedingsrelatingtotheregistereddesignorthemannerinwhichtheyshoulddealwiththeregistereddesign,anyjointregisteredownermayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(8) If in considering any application under subsection (7) the Tribunalissatisfiedthatajointregisteredownerisunableorunwillingtoremainaregisteredowner,theTribunalmayorderhimorhertoassignhisorherrightstoanyotherjointregisteredownerableandwillingsotoremain,providedthatwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,itmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtothejointregisteredownerwhoissoorderedtoassignhisorherrights.

(9) Inconsideringanyapplicationundersubsection(7)theTribunalmust,unlessitappearstoitthattherearegoodreasonstothecontrary,resolvethedisputeinamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationandexploitationoftheregistereddesign.


Voluntary licence

116. (1) The owner of an application for a design registration or adesignregistrationmayenterintoalicencecontractwithoneormoreotherpersonstoauthorisesuchpersonorpersonstoexploitthedesigncoveredbytheregistrationortheapplicationinNamibia(hereinreferredtoasa“voluntarylicence”).

(2) A voluntary licence contract concerning an application for a designregistrationoradesignregistrationmustbesubmittedtotheRegistrarintheprescribedmannerandwithintheprescribedperiod.

(3) TheRegistrarmust–

(a) recordthegrantofthelicenceintheappropriateregister;

(b) keepcontentsofthelicenceconfidential;and



(c) publishareferencetothegrantofthelicenceinthebulletin.



Invalid contractual terms in licences

117. Anyconditioninacontractrelatingtothesaleofanarticlebearingorembodyingaregistereddesign,ortoalicenceunderadesignregistrationofwhichtheeffectwillbe–

(a) to prohibit or restrict the purchaser or licensee from purchasing orusinganyarticleorclassofarticles,whetherregisteredornot,suppliedorownedbyanypersonotherthanthesellerorlicensororhisorhernominee;

(b) toprohibitorrestrictthelicenseefromusinganyarticleorprocessnotprotectedbythedesignregistration;

(c) torequirethepurchaserorlicenseetoacquirefromtheseller,licensororhisorhernomineeanyarticleorclassofarticlesnotprotectedbythedesignregistration;

(d) to require or induce the purchaser to observe a specified minimumresalepriceinrespectofanyarticleorclassofarticlesprotectedbythedesignregistration;or

(e) toprohibitorrestrictthemaking,usingordisposingofarticlesbearingorembodyingtheregistereddesigninanycountryinwhichthedesignisnotprotected,

isinvalid.

Rights of licensee

118. Intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary–

(a) avoluntarylicencetomakeanarticlebearingorembodyingaregistereddesigncarrieswithittherighttoexploitthearticle,includingtherighttouseoroffertodisposeofordisposeofthearticle;and

(b) anexclusivevoluntarylicencecarrieswithittherightforthelicenseeto exploit articlesbearingor embodying the registereddesign to theexclusionofallothers,includingtheownerofthedesignregistration,exceptthatsuchlicenseehasnorighttoinstituteproceedingsagainstthirdpartiesfortheinfringementofthedesignregistrationunlessthelicencecontractprovidesforsuchright.



Effect of invalidity on registration of licence

119. (1) Anycontract,insofarasitrelatestoalicenceunderadesignapplicationoradesignregistrationtomake,use,offertodisposeof,disposeoforimportaprotectedarticle,terminatesonthedateonwhichadesignapplicationisrefused,oronwhichthedesignregistration,underwhichthelicencewasgranted,expires,isrevokedorotherwiseceasestoprotectsucharticle.

(2) Whereacontractrelatestolicencesundermorethanoneapplicationorregistration,suchpartofthecontractasrelatestoanyparticularlicenceterminateswhentheapplicationortheregistrationunderwhichitwasgrantedisrefusedorexpires,isrevokedorotherwiseceasestoprotectthearticleconcerned,andthatthecontractasawholeterminateswhenalltheregistrationsunderwhichallsuchlicencesweregrantedandwhichwere inforceat the timewhenthecontractbecameoperative,expire,arerevokedorotherwiseceasetoprotecttherelevantarticles.


PART 9SURRENDER AND INVALIDATION OF REGISTRATION

Surrender of registration

120. (1) Theownerofadesignregistrationmayatanytime,bygivingnoticeintheprescribedmannertotheRegistrar,offertosurrendertheregistration,andtheRegistrarmustgivenoticeoftheoffertoanypersonshownintheregistertohaveaninterestintheregistration.

(2) Anypersonmay,withintheprescribedtime,lodgeinwritingwiththeRegistraranobjectiontothesurrenderoftheregistration.

(3) IfnoobjectionissolodgedorifanysuchobjectionisoverruledbytheRegistrarortheTribunalafterhavinggiventheowneroftheregistrationandtheobjectoranopportunitytobeheard,theregistrationmustbedeemedtohavebeenrevokedasfromthedateofreceiptbytheRegistraroftheofferofsurrender,andtheRegistrarmustadvertisetherevocationofthedesignregistrationinthebulletinandmakethenecessaryentriesintheregister.

(4) Anoffer tosurrenderadesignregistrationmaynotbeconsideredaslongasanyproceedingsforinfringementorrevocationofthatregistrationarependingbeforetheTribunal,exceptbyconsentofthepartiestosuchproceedings.

Invalidation of registered designs

121. (1) AnypersonmayapplytotheTribunalintheprescribedmannertoinvalidatetheregistrationofadesign.

(2) An application for invalidationmust be served on the owner of thedesign registration or his or her agent andmust be notified to the Registrar in theprescribedmanner.



(3) Subject to subsection (4), the Tribunal must invalidate the designregistrationifthepersonrequestingtheinvalidationprovesthat–

(a) thedesignisnotadesignasdefinedinsection92;

(b) therequirementsofsection93or94arenotcompliedwith;

(c) theregisteredownerofthedesignisnotthecreatorascontemplatedinsection95orhisorhersuccessorintitle;or

(d) anygroundexistsonwhichtheRegistrarcouldhaverefusedtoregisterthedesign.

(4) Despitesubsection(1),iftheTribunalissatisfiedthatanamendmentofthedesignregistrationwillremovethegroundofinvalidity,itmayupholdthedesignregistrationsubject tosuchamendmentandsubject tosuch termsorconditionsas itdeemsfit.

(5) ThefinaldecisionoftheTribunalmustbenotifiedtotheRegistrarwhomustrecorditandassoonaspossiblepublishitinthebulletin.

Effects of invalidation

122. Aninvalidateddesignregistrationmustberegardedasnullandvoidfromthedateofthegrantofthecertificateofregistrationofthedesign.

PART 10INFRINGEMENT


123. (1) Nopersonotherthantheownerofthedesignregistrationmayexploit,inNamibia,adesignregisteredinNamibiainregardtoarticlesincludedintheclassorclassesinwhichthedesignisregisteredunlessheorshehasbeenauthorisedtodosobytheownerofthatdesignregistrationbywayoflicence,inwritingandsignedbythelicensor.

(2) Theprovisionsofsection115applyinrespectofsuchlicence.

(3) Forpurposesofthissection,theprovisionsofsection108apply.

Infringement proceedings

124. (1) Theregisteredownerofadesignhas,inadditiontoanyotherrights,remediesoractionsavailabletohimorher,therighttoinstitutelegalproceedingsagainst anypersonwho infringes the design registrationbyperforming,without theowner’s written contract, any of the acts referred to in section 107 for commercialpurposes,orwhoperformsactswhichmakeitlikelythatinfringementwilloccur.

(2) Proceedingsfor infringementmustbe instituteandprosecuted in themannerprescribed.



(3) Inanyproceedingsforinfringementthedefendantmaycounterclaimfortherevocationofthedesignand,bywayofdefence,relyuponanygroundonwhichadesignmayberevoked.

(4) Beforetheownerinstitutesproceedingsintermsofthissection,heorshemustgivenoticeinwritingofhisorherintentiontodosotoeverylicenseewhosenameisrecordedintheregister,andanysuchlicenseeisentitledtointerveneinsuchproceedingsandtorecoveranydamagesheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.

(5) A licensee under a voluntary licence may call upon the owner ofthe design registration to institute proceedings in respect of an infringement of thedesignregistration,andiftheownerrefusestodoso,thelicenseemayinstitutesuchproceedingsinhisorherownname.

Remedies

125. Theprovisionsofsection71applytoproceedingsinstitutedintermsofsection124asifadesignregistrationisapatent.

PART 11INTERNATIONAL DEPOSITS UNDER THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

Definitions

126. ForthepurposesofthisPart–

“InternationalBureau”,“internationalapplication”or“internationalregistration”meantheInternationalBureau,aninternationalapplicationoraninternationalregistrationasdefinedinArticle1oftheHagueAgreement;

“theHagueAgreement”meanstheActoftheHagueAgreementsignedintheHagueonNovember6,1925asamendedandamplifiedfromtimetotime,andtheRegulationsissuedundertheGenevaAct,1999,asamendedfromtimetotime;and

“the Regulations”mean the Regulations issued under the GenevaAct, 1999 of theHagueAgreement.

Protection of design which is subject to international deposit

127. (1) Subject to section 128, a design which is the subject of aninternationalregistrationinwhichNamibiaisdesignatedmustbeprotectedinNamibiainthesamemannerasifthedesignhadbeenregisteredunderthisAct.

(2) TheRegistrarmustdealwithinternationalregistrationsinaccordancewith theprovisionsofsection128andof theHagueAgreementand theRegulationsissued thereunder, but, if there is any conflict between the provisions of theHagueAgreement or theRegulations issued thereunder and the provisions of thisAct, theHagueAgreementanditsRegulationsprevail.



Notification of International Bureau by Registrar

128. (1) WheretheRegistrarisnotifiedbytheInternationalBureauthataninternationalregistrationofadesigncontainsadesignationofNamibia,theRegistrarmustproceedinaccordancewithsection103asiftherelevantdesignisthesubjectofanapplicationunderthisAct.

(2) WheretheRegistrarfindsthattherequirementsreferredtoinsection103(2)arenotcompliedwith,theRegistrarmustnotifytheInternationalBureauthatprotectionofthedesignhasbeenrefused.

(3) Nosuchnotificationasreferredtoinsubsection(2)maybegivenaftertheexpiryofaperiodofsixmonthsfromthedateonwhichtheOfficereceivedfromtheInternationalBureauacopyofthepublicationinwhichtheinternationalregistrationofthedesignconcernedwaspublished.

(4) WheretheRegistrarfindsthattherequirementsreferredtoinsection103havebeencompliedwith,theRegistrarmust–

(a) registerthedesign;

(b) issuetheregisteredownerwitharegistrationcertificate;and

(c) subjecttosubsection(5),publishareferencetothedesignregistrationinthebulletin.

(5) Apublicationintermsofsubsection(4)(c)maynottakeplacebeforethecopyofthepublicationoftheinternationalregistrationbytheInternationalBureauhasbeenreceivedbytheOfficeinaccordancewiththeHagueAgreement.

(6) Where an international application for the registration of a designundertheHagueAgreementisfiledattheOffice,theRegistrarmustrecordthedateonwhichtheapplicationwasreceivedbythatOfficeasthefilingdateoftheinternationalapplication,andtheRegistrarmusttransmittheapplicationtotheInternationalBureauwithinonemonthofthatdate.

(7) The Registrar must, at the time of transmitting an internationalapplicationtotheInternationalBureauintermsofsubsection(6),notifytheInternationalBureauofthedateonwhichtheofficeoftheRegistrarreceivedtheapplication,andmustnotifytheapplicantofthisdateandofthefactthattheapplicationhasbeentransmittedtotheInternationalBureau.

Registrar to notify International Bureau concerning invalidation

129. Where a design registration registered in Namibia under the HagueAgreementhasbeeninvalidatedinaccordancewithsection121,theRegistrarmust,assoonaspossible,notifytheInternationalBureauaccordingly.



PART 12GENERAL

Appeals

130. (1) TheTribunalhasjurisdictioninallcasesofdisputerelatingtothemattersprovidedforinthisChapter,andinallmatterswhichunderthisChaptermaybereferredtotheTribunal.

(2) Anydecision takenby theRegistrarunder thisChapter, including inregardtotheregistrationofadesign,orinregardtotherejectionofanapplicationforsuchregistration,maybethesubjectofanappealtotheTribunalbyaninterestedpartyin thematter before theRegistrar, and such appealmust be filed and prosecuted asprescribed.

(3) AnychangeoramendmentorcorrectionofanydocumentformingpartofanapplicationforadesignregistrationappliedfororofadesignregistrationgrantedunderthisChapter,oranychangeoramendmentorcorrectionof,oranyprovisionorconditionin,anydocumentformingpartofanapplicationforalicenceorthegrantofalicenceunderthisChaptermay,onapplicationbyaninterestedpartytotheTribunal,besetasidebytheTribunalifsuchchangeoramendmentorcorrection,orsuchprovisionorcondition,doesnotcomplywiththeprovisionsofthisAct.

CHAPTER4TRADEMARKS,COLLECTIVEANDCERTIFICATIONMARKS,

ANDTRADENAMES

PART 1INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

Definitions

131. ForthepurposeofthisChapter–

“Banjul Protocol” means the Protocol on Marks within the Framework ofARIPOadopted in Banjul, between 15-19 November 1993, and the Regulations issuedthereunder,asamendedfromtimetotime;

“certificationtrademark”meansamarkcapableofdistinguishing,inthecourseoftrade,goodsorservicescertifiedbyanypersoninrespectofkind,quality,quantity,intendedpurpose,value,geographicaloriginorothercharacteristicsofthegoodsorservices,orthemodeortimeofproductionofthegoodsorofrenderingoftheservices,asthecasemaybe,fromgoodsorservicesnotsocertified;

“collectivetrademark”meansamarkcapableofdistinguishing,inthecourseoftrade,goodsorservicesofpersonswhoaremembersofanassociationfromgoodsorservicesofpersonswhoarenotmembersthereof;

“mark”meansanysigncapableofbeingrepresentedvisually,includingadevice,name,signature, word, letter, numeral, figurative element, shape, colour or container forgoods,oranycombinationofsuchsigns;



“InternationalClassificationofGoodsandServices”meanstheclassificationundertheNiceAgreementof1957,asrevisedfromtimetotime;

“registereduser”meansapersonregisteredtousearegisteredtrademarkintermsofsection170;

“trademark”,otherthanacertificationoracollectivetrademark,meansamarkusedor proposed to be usedby a person in relation to goodsor services for the purposeof distinguishing those goods or services from the same kind of goods or servicesconnectedinthecourseoftradewithanyotherperson;

“trademarkregistration”meansthetitlegrantedunderthisActtoprotectatrademark;

“trade name” means the name or designation identifying a business enterprise anddistinguishingthatenterprisefromotherbusinessenterprises.

Exclusive right to mark

132. (1) Therighttoamark,asconferredbythisAct,maybeacquiredbyregistrationof themarkasa trademark,acertificationtrademarkoracollectivetrademarkinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisAct.

(2) NothinginthisActmaydetractfromtherightofanypersontoinstituteproceedingsandenforceanyrightsundercommonlaw.

Classification of registration

133. (1) For purposes of registration of a trade mark, the goods orservicesforwhichregistrationofthemarkisrequestedmustbeclassifiedinaparticularclassorclassesasprovidedforintheInternationalClassificationofGoodsandServices,andtheapplicationforregistrationmustindicatetheapplicableclassorclassesoftheInternationalClassificationofGoodsandServicesoranyprescribedclassificationofgoodsorservices.

(2) AnyquestionarisingastotheclasswithinwhichanygoodsorservicesfallundermustbedeterminedbytheRegistrar.

PART 2REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION

Distinctiveness

134. (1) In order to be registrable, a trademarkmust be capable ofdistinguishingthegoodsorservicesofapersoninrespectofwhichitisproposedtoberegisteredfromthegoodsorservicesofotherpersons,eithergenerallyor,wherethetrademarkisproposedtoberegisteredsubjecttolimitations,inrelationtousewithinthoselimitations.

(2) Atrademarkisconsideredtobecapableofdistinguishingwithinthemeaningofsubsection(1)if,atthedateofapplicationforregistration,itisinherentlycapableofsodistinguishingorifitbecamecapableofdistinguishingbyreasonofpriorusethereof.



Limitation of colours

135. (1) Atrademarkmaybelimitedinwholeorinparttoaparticularcolourorcolours,and incaseofanyapplicationfor the registrationofa trademarkthefactthatthetrademarkissolimitedmustbetakenintoconsiderationindecidingwhetheritiscapableofdistinguishing.

(2) Ifandinsofarasatrademarkisregisteredwithoutlimitationofcolour,itisdeemedtoberegisteredforallcolours.

Disclaimer

136. Ifamarkcontainsmatterwhichisnotcapableofdistinguishingwithinthemeaningofsection134,themarkmayberegisteredsubjecttoacondition–

(a) disclaiminganyrighttotheexclusiveuseofsuchmatter;or

(b) making such other disclaimer or endorsement as may be deemednecessaryforthepurposeofdefiningtherightsundertheregistration,

except that such disclaimer or endorsement does not affect any other rights of theapplicantinrespectofthemarkexceptasarisingoutoftheregistration.

Prohibition of registration: objective grounds

137. Amarkisnotregistrableandcannotbevalidlyregisteredif-

(a) it is incapableofdistinguishing thegoodsor servicesofonepersonfromthoseofotherpersons;

(b) itiscontrarytopublicorderormorality;

(c) itisinherentlydeceptiveortheusethereofislikelytomisleadordeceivethepublicorothertraders,includingasregardsthegeographicaloriginofthegoodsorservicesconcerned,ortheirnatureorcharacteristics;

(d) it consistsexclusivelyofa signor indicationwhichserves, in trade,to designate the kind, quality, quantity, intended purpose, value,geographical origin, or time ormode of production of the goods orrenderingoftheservices;

(e) it consists exclusively of a sign or indication which has becomecustomary in the current language or amongst bona fide traders inregardtothegoodsorservicesconcerned;

(f) itisidenticalwith,orisanimitationoforcontainsasanelement,anarmorialbearing,flagorotheremblemof,anameoforabbreviationorinitialsofthenameof,orofficialsignorhallmarkadoptedby,anyState, intergovernmental organisation or organisation created by aninternationalconvention,unlessauthorisedbythecompetentauthorityofthatStateororganisation;



(g) itsusewouldbelikelytocauseconfusionorwouldoffendanyclassofpersonorwouldbecontrarytolaw;

(h) theapplicantforregistrationhasnobona fideclaimtoproprietorshipornobona fideintentionofusingitasatrademark;or

(i) theapplicationforregistrationwas mala fide.

Prohibition of registration: third party rights

138. (1) Amarkisnotregistrableandcannotvalidlyberegisteredif–

(a) subject to subsection (2), it is identical with or confusingly similarto, or it or an essential element thereof constitutes a reproduction,imitationoratranslationof,atrademarkwhichisentitledtoprotectionundertheParisConventionasawell-knowntrademarkandwhichiswellknowninNamibia,iftheuseofthemarkistobeinrelationtotheidenticalorsimilargoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkiswellknown,andsuchuseofthemarkislikelytocausedeceptionorconfusion;

(b) itisidenticalwithorconfusinglysimilarto,oritoranessentialelementthereof constitutes a reproduction, imitationor translationof a trademark which is well known and registered in Namibia for goods orserviceswhicharenotidenticalorsimilartothoseinrespectofwhichregistrationisappliedfor,iftheuseofthemarkwouldbelikelytotakeunfairadvantageof,orbedetrimentaltothedistinctivecharacterorthereputeofthewell-knownmarkortheinterestsoftheownerofthewell-knowntrademarkarelikelytobeprejudicedbysuchuse,despitetheabsenceofdeceptionorconfusion;or

(c) it is identical to a registered trade mark or to a trade mark in anapplicationbelongingtoadifferentproprietorwithanearlierfilingorprioritydate,inrespectofthesamegoodsorservicesorcloselyrelatedgoodsorservices,orifitsonearlyresemblessuchatrademarkastobelikelytodeceiveorcauseconfusion.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply in relation to any trade markapplicationorregistrationhavingafilingdateorprioritydatepriortothedateonwhichthisActcomesintoforceortothedateonwhichthewell-knowntrademarkbecomesentitled, inNamibia, toprotectionunder theParisConvention,whicheverdate is thelaterdate.

PART 3PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION

Who may apply for registration

139. Anypersonwhohasabona fideclaimtoproprietorshipofthemarkandbona fideusesorintendstousethemarkasatrademarkmayapplyfortheregistrationofthemarkasatrademark.



Application for registration

140. (1) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofamarkasatrademarkmustbemadeintheprescribedmannerand,intheprescribedmanner,befiledwiththeRegistrarandmustcontainthefollowing–

(a) arequestforregistration;

(b) arepresentationofthemark;and

(c) a specificationof thegoodsor services forwhich registrationof themarkisrequested;and

(d) an indication of the applicable class or classes of the InternationalClassificationofGoodsandServicesoranyprescribedclassificationofgoodsorservices.

(2) TheRegistraror theTribunal, as thecasemaybe,mayat any time,whetherbeforeorafteracceptanceoftheapplication,correctanyerrorinorinconnectionwiththeapplication,ormaypermittheapplicanttoamendhisorherapplicationuponsuchconditionsastheRegistrarortheTribunal,asthecasemaybe,maythinkfit.

Application fee

141. Anapplicationfortheregistrationofamarkasatrademarkmustbeaccompaniedbytheprescribedfee.

Right of priority

142. (1) Theapplicationmaycontainadeclarationclaimingthepriority,asprovidedforintheParisConvention,ofanearliernational,regionalorinternationalapplicationfiledby theapplicantorhisorherpredecessor in title,provided that theapplicationismadewithinsixmonthsafterthedateoftheearlierapplication.

(2) TheeffectofthesaiddeclarationisasprovidedintheParisConvention,but, if theRegistrar finds that the requirements under subsection (3) have not beenfulfilled,thesaiddeclarationisdeemednottohavebeenmade.

(3) Where the application contains a declaration claiming the priorityasprovidedfor in theParisConvention, theRegistrarmayrequire that theapplicantfurnish,withintheprescribedtime,acopyoftheearlierapplication,certifiedascorrectbytheofficewithwhichitwasfiled.

Date of filing

143. TheRegistrarmustaccordas thedateofanapplication, thedateonwhichtherequestforregistration,therepresentationofthemarkandtheprescribedfeearelodgedwiththeRegistrar.



Withdrawal, restriction or amendment of application

144. Theapplicantforatrademarkregistrationmay,atanytimebeforethemarkisregistered,intheprescribedmannerwithdraw,restrictoramendtheapplicationaslongasanysuchamendmentwillnotsubstantiallyaffecttheidentityofthemark.

Examination as to form and substance

145. (1) After accordingadate to theapplication, theRegistrarmustexamine the application to determinewhether it complies with the requirements ofsection140(1).

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsubsection(1)arecompliedwith,theRegistrarmustdeterminewhetherthemarkisamarkasdefinedinsection131andisregistrableasatrademarkundersections134,137and138.

Acceptance or refusal of application

146. (1) TheRegistrarmustconsidertheapplicationandheorshemay-

(a) if he or she is satisfied that the application complies with therequirementsofsection145,accepttheapplication;

(b) ifheorshedeemsitappropriate,accepttheapplicationsubjecttosuchamendments,modifications,conditionsorlimitationsasheorshemaydeemfit;or

(c) ifheorsheissatisfiedthattheapplicationdoesnotcomplywiththerequirementsofsection145,refusetheapplication.

(2) The Registrar must advise the applicant for registration in writingwithinareasonableperiodfromthedateofapplicationofhisorherdecisionintermsofsubsection(1),andinthecaseofadecisionintermsofsubsection(1)(c)must,onapplicationbytheapplicantwithintheprescribedperiodandintheprescribedmanner,stateinwritingthegroundsforthedecision.

(3) Where theRegistrarhasadvised theapplicantofadecision in termsof subsection (1)(c), and unless within the prescribed period from the date of theadviceorfromthedateonwhichgroundsforthedecisionwerefurnishedintermsofsubsection(2),whicheveristhelaterdate,theapplicantsubmitsarguments,inwriting,orappliesforahearingoranextensionoftime,theapplicationisdeemedtohavebeenabandoned.

(4) Inthecaseofadecisionintermsofsubsection(1)(b),theRegistrar,ifheorshefindsthatthemarkcontainsmatterwhichisnotcapableofdistinguishingwithinthemeaningofsection134,mayrequireasaconditionofthemarkbeingregisteredascontemplatedinsection136,thattheapplicant–

(a) disclaimsanyrighttotheexclusiveuseofsuchmatter;or



(b) makes such other disclaimer or endorsement as theRegistrar deemsnecessaryforthepurposeofdefiningtherightsundertheregistration,

butsuchdisclaimerorendorsementdoesnotaffectanyotherrightsoftheapplicantinrespectofthemarkexceptasarisingoutoftheregistration.

(5) If the Registrar accepts an application subject to any amendments,modifications, conditions or limitations, or any disclaimer or endorsement ascontemplatedinsubsection(1)(b)orinsubsection(4)and–

(a) the applicant does not accept such amendments, modifications,conditions or limitations, or such disclaimer or endorsement he orshemaywithin theprescribedperiod from thedateof theadviceofconditional acceptance submit arguments, in the prescribedmanner,apply for a hearing or for an extension of time, failing which theapplicationisdeemedtohavebeenabandoned;

(b) the applicant accepts suchamendments,modifications, conditionsorlimitations,orsuchdisclaimerorendorsementheorshemustwithintheprescribedperiodsonotifytheRegistrar,intheprescribedmanner,whereupontheapplicationisdeemedtohavebeenaccepted;or

(c) the applicant accepts suchamendments,modifications, conditionsorlimitations,or suchdisclaimerorendorsementbut fails tonotify theRegistrarwithintheprescribedperiodandintheprescribedmanner,theapplicationisdeemedtohavebeenabandoned.

(6) Inthecaseofadecisionintermsofsubsection(1)(a),oradecisionintermsofsubsection(1)(b)andwhichisacceptedbytheapplicant,theRegistrarmust,withinsuchtimeandinamannerprescribed,publishthatapplicationinthebulletin.

Examination after opposition

147. (1) After the publication of a notice under section 146(6), anypersonmay,withintheprescribedperiodandintheprescribedmanner,givenoticetotheRegistrarofoppositiontotheregistrationofthemarkonthegroundthatoneormoreoftherequirementsfortheregistrabilityofthemarkascontainedinanyprovisionofthisChapterhasnotbeencompliedwith.

(2) Anyoppositionmustfollowtheprocedureandrequiresuchevidenceasprovidedforinthissectionandasmaybeprescribed.

(3) The Registrar must as soon as possible after receiving the noticecontemplatedinsubsection(1),sendacopyofthenoticetotheapplicantwhomust,within such period and in suchmanner asmay be prescribed, send to theRegistraracounter-statementofthegroundsonwhichheorshereliesinsupportofhisorherapplication.

(4) Iftheapplicantfailstocomplywiththeprovisionsofsubsection(3),theapplicationmustbeconsideredashavingbeenabandoned.



(5) Where the applicant files a counter-statement, theRegistrarmust assoonaspossible furnishacopy thereof to thepersonopposingwhomay,within theprescribedperiodandintheprescribedmanner,lodgeareplyingstatement.

(6) Apersonwhogivesnoticeofoppositionascontemplatedinsubsection(1),andanapplicantwhofilesacounter-statementascontemplatedinsubsection(5)must submit evidence in support of the opposition or counter-statement as may beprescribed.

(7) TheRegistrarmust,afterhearingthepartiesandconsideringthemeritsofthecase,decidewhetherornotthemarkshouldberegistered.

(8) Afterthepublicationoftheapplicationanduntiltheregistrationofthemark,theapplicanthasthesamerighttodamagesasheorshewouldhavehadifthemarkhadbeenregistered,butitisavaliddefencetoanactionbroughtunderthissectioninrespectofanactdoneaftertheapplicationwaspublished,ifthemarkhasinfactnotbeenregisteredor if thedefendantproves that themarkcouldnotvalidlyhavebeenregisteredatthetimetheactwasdone.

Registration and issuance of certificate

148. (1) WheretheRegistrarissatisfiedthat–

(a) the application for the registration of a mark complies with therequirementsofsections131,134,137,138and140;and

(b) theregistrationofthemarkhas–

(i) notbeenopposedundersection147withintheprescribedtimelimit;or

(ii) beenopposedbuttheRegistrarhasdecidedintheapplicant’sfavour,

theRegistrarmustregisterthetrademarkintheappropriateregisterandissuetotheapplicantacertificateofregistration.

(2) Where–

(a) the requirements for the registration of a mark as contemplated insubsection(1)arenotcompliedwith;or

(b) an application for the registration of a mark has been successfullyopposedundersection147,

theRegistrarmustrefusetoregisterthatmarkasatrademark.

(3) If,byreasonofdefaultonthepartoftheapplicant,afteracceptanceoftheapplicationintermsofsection146(1)(a),theregistrationofatrademarkhasnotbeencompletedwithintheprescribedperiodfromthedateofsuchacceptance,theRegistrar



mustgivenoticeofthenon-completiontotheapplicant,and,ifattheexpirationoftheprescribedperiodfromthatnoticeorofsuchfurthertimeastheRegistrarmayallow,the registration isnotcompleted, theapplicationmustbeconsideredashavingbeenabandoned.

(4) If the application is conditionally accepted in terms of sections146(1)(b)or146(4)or146(5)(b)andtheapplicantfailstotakesuchstepsasareavailabletohimorherunderthisActtocompletetheregistrationofthetrademarkwithintheprescribedperiod,orsuchfurthertimeastheRegistrarmayallow,theapplicationmustbeconsideredashavingbeenabandoned.

Registration of parts trade marks

149. (1) Wheretheproprietorofatrademarkclaimstobeentitledtotheexclusiveuseofanypartthereofseparately,heorshemayapplytoregisterthewholeandanysuchpartasseparatetrademarks.

(2) Each such separate trademarkmust satisfy all the requirements forregistrationofatrademarkunderthisActandmustforallpurposesbearegisteredtrademark.

Publication of registered marks

150. When theRegistrar has registered the trademark asprovided for insection148,theRegistrarmustpublish,inthebulletin,areferencetotheregistrationofthetrademark.

PART 4RIGHTS CONFERRED BY REGISTRATION

Exclusive right

151. (1) Subjecttosections153,154and155,theregisteredownerofatrademarkhastherighttoexcludeallotherpersonsfromusingtheregisteredtrademarkinthecourseoftradeinthemannercontemplatedinsection152,unlessthatotherpersonhasbeenauthorised,inwriting,todosobytheregisteredownerofthatmark.

(2) AtrademarkmustberegisteredinrespectofgoodsandservicesfallinginaparticularclassorclassesasprovidedforintheInternationalClassificationofGoodsandServicesoranyprescribedclassificationofgoodsorservices,ascontemplatedinsection133,andtherightsarisingfromtheregistrationofatrademarkaredeterminedinaccordancewiththeclassificationapplicableatthedateofregistration.

Rights conferred by registration

152. (1) Theregisteredownerofatrademarkoraregisteredlicenseein thecircumstancesascontemplated in section170(4)has, inaddition toanyotherrights,remediesoractionsavailabletohimorher,therighttoinstitutelegalproceedingsagainstanypersonwho infringes the trademarkbyusing themark in thecourseoftrade, as contemplated in section182, andwithout theownerswrittenauthorisation,



as contemplated in section 151, or who performs acts which make it likely thatinfringementwilloccur.

(2) Therightsreferredto insubsection(1)are inrespectof theuseofamarkidenticaltoorsosimilartotheregisteredtrademarkastobelikelytodeceiveorcauseconfusion,andinrelationtogoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisregistered,orgoodsorservicessosimilartothoseforwhichthetrademarkhasbeenregisteredthatitislikelythatdeceptionorconfusionmayariseamongmembersofthepublic.

(3) Incaseofsuchuseofanidenticalmarkforidenticalgoodsorservices,alikelihoodofdeceptionorconfusionmustbepresumed.

(4) Theregisteredownerofawell-knowntrademarkascontemplatedinsection138(1)(a)or(b)oraregisteredlicenseeofsuchatrademarkascontemplatedinsection167has,inadditiontoanyotherrights,remediesoractionsavailabletohimorher,therighttoinstitutelegalproceedingsagainstanypersonwhoinfringesthetrademarkbyusingthemarkinthecourseoftradeandwithoutthewrittenauthorisationoftheregisteredownerinthecircumstancescontemplatedinsection138(1)(a)or(b)or182(c).

Exhaustion of rights

153. The right to institute proceedings conferred by the registration of atrademarkdoesnotextendto-

(a) actsinrespectofarticlestowhichthetrademarkhasbeenappliedandwhichhavebeenputon themarket inanycountryby the registeredownerorwithhisorherwrittenconsent;

(b) theuseofthetrademarkinrespectoforinrelationtogoodstobesoldor otherwise traded in, or services to be performed in, any place towhichtheregistrationdoesnotextend,ortheuseofthetrademarkinamannerorincircumstancestowhich,havingregardtoanyconditionsorlimitationsenteredintheregister,theregistrationdoesnotextend.

Right to continue to use

154. (1) NothinginthisActentitlestheproprietorofaregisteredtrademarktointerferewithorrestraintheusebyanypersonofatrademarkidenticaltoatrademarkornearlyresemblingitinrespectofgoodsorservicesinrelationtowhichthatpersonorapredecessorintitleofhisorhershasmadecontinuousandbona fideuseofthattrademarkfromadatepriorto–

(a) theuseofthefirst-mentionedtrademarkinrelationtothosegoodsorservicesbytheproprietororapredecessorintitle;or

(b) totheregistrationofthefirst-mentionedtrademarkinrespectofthosegoods or services in the name of the proprietor or a predecessor intitle,



whicheveristheearlier,ortoobject(onsuchusebeingproved)tothetrademarkofthatpersonbeingregisteredinrespectofthosegoodsorservices.

(2) Nothing in thisAct entitles theproprietorof a trademarkentitled toprotectionofsuchtrademarkundertheParisConventionasawell-knowntrademark-

(a) tointerferewithorrestraintheusebyanypersonofatrademark(hereinthe“usedtrademark”)whichconstitutes,ortheessentialpartsofwhichconstitute,a reproduction, imitationor translationof thewell-knowntrademark in relation to goods or services in respect ofwhich thatpersonorapredecessorintitlehasmadecontinuousandbona fideuseoftheusedtrademarkfromadatepriortothecommencementofthisActortothedateonwhichthewell-knowntrademarkbecameentitled,inNamibia,toprotectionundertheParisConvention,whicheverdateisthelatterdate;or

(b) to object (on such use being proved) to the used trademark of thatpersonbeingregisteredinrelationtothosegoodsorservices.

Bona fide use of name or description

155. (1) Therighttoinstituteproceedingsconferredbytheregistrationofatrademarkdonotextendto-

(a) anybona fideusebyapersonofhisorherownname,orthenameofanyofhisorherpredecessorsinbusiness,orthenameofhisorherortheirplaceofbusiness;

(b) theusebyapersonofanybona fidedescriptionor indicationof thekind,quality,quantity,intendedpurpose,value,geographicaloriginorothercharacteristicsofhisorhergoodsorservices,orthemodeortimeofproductionofthegoodsortherenderingoftheservices;

(c) thebona fide use of the trademark in relation to goods or serviceswheresuchuseisreasonabletoindicatetheintendedpurposeofsuchgoods,includingsparepartsandaccessories,andsuchservices;

(d) thebona fideusebyanypersonofanyutilitarianfeaturesembodiedinacontainer,shapeorcolourwhichisregisteredasatrademark;

(e) the use of any identical or confusingly or deceptively similar trademarkwhichisalsoregistered.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to the name of any juristic personwhichnamewasregisteredafterthedateofregistrationofthetrademark,andtheusecontemplatedinsubsection(1)(a)to(d)isconsistentwithfairpractice.

ARIPO trade marks

156. (1) Where an application for the registration of a trademark inARIPOisfiledwiththeOfficeasthereceivingofficeintermsoftheBanjulProtocol,



theRegistrarmust,withoutdelay,transmittheapplicationtotheofficeofARIPO,afterwhichtheapplicationmustbeprocessedfurtherinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheBanjulProtocol,includingthattheRegistrarmust–

(a) accordtheapplicationafilingdate;

(b) examine the application for registration in respect of the formalrequirementsasprescribedbytheBanjulProtocol;

(c) iftheapplicationdoesnotcomplywiththeformalrequirements,notifytheapplicantand invitehimorher tocomplywith the requirementswithin theprescribedperiod, failingwhich theRegistrarmust refusetheapplication;and

(d) iftheapplicationcomplieswiththeformalrequirements,notifyeachdesignatedStatewithintheprescribedperiod.

(2) Where,inanapplicationfortheregistrationofatrademarkinARIPO,theOfficeisnotifiedthatNamibiaisadesignatedStateintermsoftheBanjulProtocol,theRegistrarmust-

(a) examine the application for registration in accordance with theprovisionsofthisAct;

(b) iftheRegistrarfindsthatthemarkisnotregistrableasatrademarkintermsofthisAct,communicatetotheofficeofARIPOwithin12monthsfromthedateonwhichtheOfficewasnotifiedofthedesignation,thattheregistrationofthemarkwillhavenoeffectinNamibia;

(c) iftheRegistrarfindsthatthemarkisregistrableasatrademarkintermsofthisAct,notifytheofficeofARIPOwithin12monthsfromthedateonwhichtheOfficewasnotifiedofthedesignation,thatthemarkhasnoeffectinNamibiauntilsuchtimeasanypossibleoppositiontotheregistrationinaccordancewiththisActhasbeenresolved,andthentheprovisionsofsubsections(3)and(4)apply.

(3) TheRegistrarmust,afternotifyingtheofficeofARIPOascontemplatedinsubsection2(c),assoonas ispossible,publish theapplication in termsofsection146(6),afterwhichtheprovisionsofsection147apply.

(4) If the registration of themark is not opposed under section 147, orwheretheregistrationofthemarkhasbeenopposedbuttheRegistrarhasdecidedintheapplicant’sfavour,theRegistrarmust–

(a) notify the office of ARIPO that the mark has been found to beregistrable;

(b) dealfurtherwiththeapplicationasprovidedforinsection148(1)andsection150.



(5) AmarkinrespectofwhichNamibiaisadesignatedState,registeredbyARIPO by virtue of the Banjul Protocol and in respect of which the provisionsof subsection (4) havebeen compliedwith, has the sameeffect and enjoy the sameprotectioninNamibiaasatrademarkregisteredunderthisAct.

PART 5DURATION, RENEWAL AND ALTERATION OF REGISTERED TRADE MARK

Duration of registration

157. Theregistrationofatrademarkisvalidforaperiodof10yearsfromthedateoftheapplicationforregistration.

Renewal of registration

158. (1) The registration of a trade mark may, on a written requestby the registered owner prior to, orwithin the prescribed period of grace after, theexpirationofa10yearperiod,berenewedforconsecutiveperiodsof10yearssolongastheregisteredownerpaystheprescribedrenewalfeeinrespectofeachsuchperiod.

(2) Aperiodofgraceofsixmonthsisallowedforthelatepaymentoftherenewalfeeonpaymentoftheprescribedsurcharge.

(3) At theprescribed timebefore theexpirationofa10yearperiod, theRegistrarmustsendanoticeintheprescribedmannertotheregisteredowner,athisorheraddressforservice,oftheexpirationoftheperiodandthedatebywhichtherenewalistoberequestedandtheprescribedrenewalfeetobepaid.

(4) Iftherenewalisnotrequestedandtheprescribedrenewalisnotpaidattheexpirationoftheperiodofgraceprovidedforinsubsection(2),thetrademarkregistrationlapsesandmustberemovedfromtheregister,andtheRegistrarmust,ifheorshebecomesawareofthisposition,removethetrademarkfromtheregister.

(5) Whereatrademarkhasbeenremovedfromtheregisterforthenon-paymentoftherenewalfee,itmayberestoredtotheregisterinthecircumstancesandbytheprocedureascontemplatedinsection159.

Restoration of registration

159. (1) Whereatrademarkregistrationhaslapsedowingtothenon-paymentofanyprescribedrenewalfeewithintheprescribedperiodorthegraceperiodreferredtoinsection158,theownerofthetrademarkmayintheprescribedmannerandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee,applytotheRegistrarfortherestorationofthetrademarkregistration.

(2) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheomissionwasunintentionalandthatnounduedelayhasoccurredinthemakingoftheapplication,heorshemustpublishtheapplicationforrestorationinthebulletinintheprescribedmanner,afterwhichanypersonmaywithinsuchperiodasprescribed,givenoticeintheprescribedmannerofoppositiontotherestorationofthetrademarkregistration.



(3) Any opposition to the restoration of a trade mark must follow theoppositionprocedureprescribedintheregulations.

(4) Ifthereisnooppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(2),orifthereisoppositionandtheRegistrarissatisfiedthatsuchoppositioniswithoutmerit,heorshemustrestorethetrademarkregistration.

(5) Any such restoration of the trademark registration is subject to thepaymentofsuchrenewalfeesascontemplatedinsection158asremainunpaidatthedateoftherestoration.

(6) Ifthereisoppositionasprovidedforinsubsection(2)andtheRegistrarissatisfiedthattheoppositionhasmerit,heorshemustrefusetorestorethetrademarkregistration.

(7) The owner of a trademark registration restored in accordancewithsubsections (1) to (5) is not entitled, in terms of the provisions of section 152, toinstituteanyproceedingsagainstorrecoverdamagesfromanypersonwhocommencedusingthetrademarkafterthelapseofaperiodofsixmonthsfromthedateonwhichtheannualfeewasdueandbeforethedateonwhichthenoticeoftheapplicationforrestorationwaspublished.

(8) Whereatrademarkregistrationhasbeenrestoredinaccordancewithsubsections(1)to(5),anypersonwhoduringtheperiodreferredtoinsubsection(7)expendedanymoney,timeorlabourwithaviewtousingthetrademarkandwhoispreventedfromsuchusebytherestorationofthetrademark,mayapplytotheTribunalforcompensationtobepaidbytheownerofthetrademarkregistrationinrespectofthemoney,timeandlaboursoexpended.

Alteration or amendment of trade mark

160. (1) The registered owner of a trade mark may apply in theprescribedmannertotheRegistrarforpermissiontoaddtooralterthetrademarkinanymannernotsubstantiallyaffectingtheidentitythereof,andtheRegistrarmayrefuseleaveormaygrantitonsuchtermsandsubjecttosuchlimitationsasheorshemaythinkfit.

(2) Aftergrantinganapplicationtoalteratrademarkintermsofsubsection(1),theRegistrarmustrequesttheapplicanttoadvertisethegrantoftheapplicationforalterationintheprescribedmanner.

(3) Anypersonmay,withinthreemonthsfromthedateoftheadvertisementreferredtoinsubsection(2)orsuchfurtherperiodastheRegistrarmayallow,opposethegrantoftheapplicationforalteration.

(4) Anyoppositionto theamendmentoralterationofa trademarkmustfollowtheoppositionprocedureasprescribed.

(5) TheRegistrarmay,onrequestmadeintheprescribedmannerbytheregisteredownerofatrademark,amendoraltertheregisterby-



(a) correctinganyerrorinthenameoraddressoftheregisteredownerofthetrademarkoranyerrorintheregisterrelatingtosuchtrademark;

(b) altering the nameor address or address for service of the registeredowner who has changed his or her name or address or address forservice;

(c) cancellingtheregistrationofthetrademark;

(d) deleting any goods or services or classes of goods or services fromthoseinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisregistered;or

(e) enteringadisclaimerormemorandumrelatingtothetrademarkwhichdoesnotinanywayextendtherightsgivenbytheregistrationofthetrademark.

(6) TheRegistrarmay,onrequestmadeintheprescribedmannerbytheregisteredowneroraregistereduserofatrademarkascontemplatedinsection170,enterintheregisteranychangeinthenameoraddressofsuchregistereduser.

(7) Where, after the registration of a trade mark, the InternationalClassificationofGoodsandServicesisamended,theregisteredownerofthetrademarkmay,atanytime,applytotheRegistrarintheprescribedmannerfortherevisionoftheclassorclassesinwhichthetrademarkisregistered.

(8) If the amendment of the International Classification of Goods andServicesresultsin–

(a) twoormoreidenticalregisteredtrademarksownedbythesameownerandpreviously registeredwith thesameregistrationdate indifferentclasses,tofallwithinasingleclass,theownerhastherighttorequiretheRegistrartoconsolidatetheregistrationsinasingleregistration;

(b) asingleregisteredtrademarkownedbytheownertofallwithintwoormoredifferentclasses,theownerhastherighttorequiretheRegistrarto register the trade mark as separate registrations with the sameregistrationdateinsuchtwoormoreclasses.

(9) TheRegistrarmaycorrectanyerrorintheregistermadebyanofficialofhisorheroffice.

PART 6CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF TRADE MARK

APPLICATIONS AND REGISTERED TRADE MARKS

Change in ownership of applications or trade marks

161. (1) Theregisteredownerofaregisteredtrademarkoratrademarkwhichisthesubjectofanapplicationforregistrationmaytransferhisorherrightsintheregisteredtrademarkorapplicationbywayofcession,assignmentortestamentary



disposition,eitherwithorwithoutthegoodwillofthebusinessconcerned,orownershiporrightsinsuchtrademarkorapplicationmaybetransferredbyoperationoflaw.

(2) Nocessionorassignmentascontemplatedinsubsection(1)is–

(a) ofanyforceoreffectunlessitisinwritingandsignedbyoronbehalfoftheregisteredowneror,iftheownerisdeceasedorceasedtoexist,bythepersonauthorisedtodisposeoftheassetsoftheregisteredowner;

(b) validandenforceableagainstthirdpartiesunlessitisrecordedbytheRegistrarintheappropriateregisteronapplicationbythenewownerwithin12monthsafterthedateofthecessionorassignmentorsuchfurthertimeastheRegistrarmayallowonpaymentoftheprescribedfee.

Associated trade marks

162. (1) Wherea trademark that is registeredor is the subjectof anapplicationforregistration–

(a) soresemblesanothertrademarkthatisregistered;or

(b) isthesubjectofanapplicationforregistrationinthenameofthesameproprietor,

thattheuseofbothsuchtrademarksbydifferentpersonsinrelationtogoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichtheyarerespectivelyregisteredorproposedtoberegisteredwouldbelikelytodeceiveorcauseconfusion,theRegistrarmayatanytimerequirethatthetrademarksbeenteredintheregisterasassociatedtrademarks.

(2) Where a trademark and any part or parts thereof are, by virtue ofsection149(1),registeredasseparatetrademarksinthenameofthesameproprietor,theyaredeemedtobe,andmustberegisteredas,associatedtrademarks.

(3) Anyassociationofatrademarkwithanyothertrademarkregisteredinthenameofthesameproprietorisdeemedtobeanassociationwithalltrademarksassociatedwiththatothertrademark.

(4) Trademarksthatareregisteredas,orthataredeemedbyvirtueofthisActtobe,associatedtrademarksmayonlybeassignableortransmissibletogetherandnotseparately,buttheymustforallotherpurposesbedeemedtohavebeenregisteredasseparatemarks.

(5) On application made in the prescribed manner by the registeredproprietoroftwoormoretrademarksregisteredasassociatedtrademarks,theRegistrarmaydissolvetheassociationasregardsanyofthemifheorsheissatisfiedthattherewouldbenolikelihoodofdeceptionorconfusionbeingcausedifthattrademarkwereusedbyanotherpersoninrelationtoanyofthegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichitisregistered,andmayamendtheregisteraccordingly.



(6) WhenundertheprovisionsofthisActuseofaregisteredtrademarkisrequiredtobeprovedforanypurpose,theRegistrarortheTribunal,asthecasemaybe,may,ifandsofarashe,sheoritdeemsfit,acceptproofoftheuseofanassociatedregisteredtrademarkorofthetrademarkwithadditionsoralterationsnotsubstantiallyaffectingitsidentity,asequivalenttoproofoftheuserequiredtobeproved.

(7) TheuseofthewholeofaregisteredtrademarkmustforthepurposesofthisActbedeemedtobetheusealsoofanyregisteredtrademarkbeingapartthereofandregisteredinthenameofthesameproprietorbyvirtueofsection149(1).

Joint ownership of trade mark applications

163. (1) Wheretwoormorepersonshavejointlyfiledanapplicationforatrademarkregistration,thejointapplicantshave,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary,equalundividedsharesintheapplication,andnoneofthemmaywithouttheconsentoftheotherjointapplicantorapplicantsdealinanywaywiththeapplication,butifanyproceedingsarerequiredtosavetheapplicationfrombecomingabandoned,anyapplicantmayinstitutesuchproceedingsonbehalfofhimselforherselfandanyotherjointapplicant.

(2) If any dispute arises between joint applicants as to their respectiverightsinandtoanapplicationforatrademarkregistrationorastothemannerinwhichtheapplicationistobeproceededwithorthemannerinwhichtheymaydealwiththeapplicationorusethetrademark,anysuchjointapplicantmayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(3) Unless the Tribunal otherwise directs, the person who makes anapplication in termsofsubsection(2) is liable forallcostsandexpenses incurred inrespectofproceedingsintermsofthatsubsection.

(4) IftheTribunalissatisfiedthatajointapplicant,isunableorunwillingtoproceedasjointapplicant,theTribunalmayorderthatsuchjointapplicantassignhisorherrightstoanyjointapplicantableandwillingsotoproceed,providedthatwhereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable,theTribunalmayorderthepaymentofcompensationtotheassignor.

(5) Inanyproceedingsintermsofsubsection(2)theTribunalmust,unlessitappearsthattherearegoodreasonstothecontrary,resolvethedisputeinamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationoftheapplicationandthegrantoftheregistration.

Joint ownership of trade mark registrations

164. (1) Whereatrademarkisregisteredinthenameoftwoormorepersonsjointly,eachofthejointpatentownersis,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontrary,entitledtoanequalundividedshareintheregistration.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), a joint trade markregistrationowneris,intheabsenceofanagreementtothecontraryandintheabsenceofconsentoftheotherjointpatentownerorowners,notentitled-

(a) tousethetrademarkinthecourseoftrade;



(b) tograntalicenceortoassignthewholeoranypartofhisinterestinthetrademarkregistration;or

(c) to take any steps or institute any proceedings relating to the trademark.

(3) Despitesubsection(2),ajointtrademarkownermaypayanyrenewalfeethatispayablewithoutrecoursetoanyothertrademarkowner,unlesstheTribunaldirectsotherwiseinproceedingsintermsofsubsection(7).

(4) Whereanarticletowhichtheregisteredtrademarkhasbeenappliedisdisposedofbyajointtrademarkowner,theacquireroranypersonclaimingthroughhim or her is entitled to dealwith it in the samemanner as if the article had beendisposedofbythetrademarkownersjointly.

(5) Anyjointtrademarkownermayinstituteproceedingsforinfringementandmustgivenoticethereoftoeveryotherjointtrademarkowner,andanysuchothertrademarkownermayinterveneasco-plaintiffandrecoveranydamagesinrespectofanydamageheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.

(6) Ifinanyproceedingsundersubsection(5)damagesareawardedtoaplaintiff,damagesmustbeawardedasifheorshewerethesoletrademarkowner,andthedefendantisnotobligedtocompensateanyotherjointtrademarkownerinrespectoftheinfringementinquestion.

(7) Whereanydisputearisesbetweenjointtrademarkownersastotheirrespectiverightsinortoatrademark,theinstitutionofproceedingsrelatingtothetrademarkorthemannerinwhichtheyshoulddealwiththetrademark,anyjointtrademarkownermayapplytotheTribunaltodecidethematterindispute.

(8) Ifinconsideringanyapplicationundersubsection(7)theTribunalissatisfiedthatajointtrademarkownerisunableorunwillingtoremainatradeowner,theTribunalmayorderhimorhertoassignhisorherrightstoanyotherjointtrademarkownerableandwillingsotoremainbut,whereitappearstotheTribunaltobejustandequitable, itmayorder thepaymentofcompensationtosuchjoint trademarkownerwhoissoorderedtoassignhisorherrights.

(9) Inconsideringanyapplicationundersubsection(7)theTribunalmust,unless itappears that therearegoodreasons to thecontrary, resolve thedispute inamannerwhichwillleadtothepreservationanduseofthetrademark.

PART 7VOLUNTARY LICENCES, REGISTERED USERS AND TRANSFERS

Voluntary licences

165. (1) The owner of a trademark application or a registered trademarkmayenterintoacontractwithoneormoreotherpersonstoauthorisesuchpersonorpersonstousethetrademarkcoveredbytheapplicationortheregisteredtrademarkinNamibia(hereinreferredtoasa“voluntarylicence”).



(2) A voluntary licence contract concerning a trade mark applicationoraregisteredtrademarkmustbeinwritingandsignedbythelicensorandmaybesubmitted in the prescribedmanner as contemplated in section 171 to theRegistrarwhomustkeepitscontentsconfidentialbutmust,recordthegrantofthelicenceintheappropriateregister.

(3) Any licence contract made in respect of a trade mark which is thesubjectofanapplicationforregistrationoraregisteredtrademarkmustprovidefortheeffectivecontrol,bythelicensor,ofthequalityofthegoodsorservicesofthelicenseeinconnectionwithwhichthemarkistobeused.

(4) The Registrar must publish a reference to the grant of a voluntarylicenceinthebulletin.



(7) Theregistrationofacertificationtrademarkoracollectivetrademark,oranapplicationforsuchregistration,maynotbethesubjectofalicencecontractotherthana licencegranted toanyperson in termsof the rulesgoverning theuseofsuchmarksascontemplatedinsection188(1)and(2).

Invalidation of licences

166. (1) If a licencecontract asprovided for in section165doesnotprovideforsuchqualitycontrolascontemplatedinsection165(3),thelicencecontractisinvalid.

(2) Ifa licencehasbeen recordedasprovided for in section165(2)andsuchqualitycontrolisnoteffectivelycarriedout,anyregisteredusermayapplytotheRegistrarfortherightgrantedtothelicenseetousethetrademarktobecancelledascontemplatedinsection173(1).

Effect of licences

167. Wherealicencehasbeenrecordedinaccordancewithsection165(2)–

(a) thelicenseemustbearegistereduserofthetrademarkascontemplatedinsection171;

(b) the licensee has the right, in the circumstances as contemplated insection170(4),toinstituteactionagainstanypersonwhoinfringesthetrademarkasprovided for in section152or section183,unless thelicenceagreementhasacontraryprovision.



Assignability of licences or user rights

168. (1) Wherea licence isgranted tousea registered trademarkascontemplatedinsection165,orwhereapersonisallowedtousearegisteredtrademarkascontemplatedinsection170,suchlicenceoruserrightmayonlybetransferredtoanotherperson–

(a) withtheagreementandconsentofthetrademarkowner;or

(b) ifthetransfertakesplacewiththetransferoftheenterpriseorbusinessofthepersontowhomthelicenceoruserrightwasgranted.

(2) Anyassignmentortransfercontrarytosubsection(1)isinvalid.

Effect of invalidity of registration on licence

169. (1) Anycontract,insofarasitrelatestoalicenceunderatrademarkapplicationor a registration touse such trademark, terminateson thedateonwhichthetrademarkapplicationisrefused,oronwhichthetrademarkregistration,underwhichthelicencewasgranted,expires,isrevokedremovedorotherwiseceasestoprotectsuchtrademark.

(2) Whereacontractrelatestolicencesundermorethanoneapplicationorregistration,suchpartofthecontractasrelatestoanyparticularlicenceterminateswhentheapplicationortheregistrationunderwhichitwasgrantedisrefusedorexpires,isrevokedorotherwiseceasestoprotectthetrademarkconcerned,andthecontractasawholeterminateswhenalltheregistrationsunderwhichallsuchlicencesweregrantedandwhichwere inforceat the timewhenthecontractbecameoperative,expire,arerevokedorotherwiseceasetoprotecttherelevanttrademarks.


Registered use

170. (1) Wherearegisteredtrademarkisusedbyapersonotherthantheownerthereofbutwiththelicenceoftheowner,whetherintermsofalicenceagreementorbyreasonofanotherinstrumentofcontrol,andwhetherornotsuchlicenceorotherinstrumenthasbeenrecordedascontemplatedinsections165(2)and167,suchuseisdeemedtobepermitteduseforthepurposesofsubsection(2).

(2) The permitted use of a trade mark referred to in subsection (1) isdeemedtobeusebytheownerandmaynotberegardedasusebyapersonotherthantheownerforthepurposesofsection176orforanyotherpurposeforwhichsuchuseismaterialunderthisActoratcommonlaw.

(3) Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,aperson,otherthantheownerofaregisteredtrademark,whousessuchtrademarkwiththelicenceoftheowner,mayberegisteredasaregistereduserintermsofsection171inrespectofalloranyofthegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisregistered.



(4) Despiteanyagreementtothecontrarysubsistingbetweentheparties,aregistereduserofaregisteredtrademarkisentitledtorequesttheownerofthetrademark to institute infringement proceedings, and, if the owner refuses or neglects todo sowithin twomonths after being so requested, the registered usermay instituteproceedings,ascontemplatedinsection152,inhisorherownnameasifheorsheweretheowner,citingtheownerasaco-defendant,butanownersocitedisnotliableforanycostsunlessheorsheentersanappearanceandtakespartintheproceedings.

(5) Inallproceedingsrelatingtoaregisteredtrademark,theregistrationofapersonasaregisteredusermustbeconsideredasprima facie evidencethattheuseoftheregisteredtrademarkbyhimorherispermitteduseascontemplatedbysubsection(1).

Registration of registered user

171. (1) Whereitisproposedthatapersonberegisteredasaregistereduserofatrademark,theownerofthetrademarkortheproposedregisteredusermustapplyinwritingtotheRegistrarintheprescribedmannergivingparticularsof-

(a) thenameandaddressoftheproposedregistereduser;

(b) the relationship, existing or proposed, between the owner and theproposedregistereduser;and

(c) thegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthepersonistoberegisteredasaregistereduserofthetrademark.

(2) Wheretherequirementsofsubsection(1)havebeencompliedwith,theRegistrarmustregistertheproposedregistereduserasaregistereduserinrespectoftherelevantgoodsorservices.

Guarantee of control

172. Theprovisionsofsections165(3)and166applytoaregistereduserasiftheregistereduserisalicensee.

Variation and cancellation

173. (1) Without derogating from the provisions of section 171, theregistrationofapersonasaregistereduser–

(a) maybecancelledorvariedbytheRegistraronapplicationinwritingintheprescribedmannerbytheregisteredownerorbysuchregistereduserorbyanyotherregistereduserofthetrademark;

(b) must be cancelled by theRegistrarwhere the trademark in respectof which such person has been registered has been assigned andapplicationhasintermsofsection161beenmadeforrecordaloftheassignment,unlessthesubsequentownerregisteredintermsofthesaidsectionrequests theRegistrar in theprescribedmannernot tocancel



anysuch registrationand furnishes theRegistrarwith theparticularsreferredtosection171(1)(a)and(b).

(2) TheRegistrarmayatanytimecanceltheregistrationofapersonasaregistereduserofatrademark,inrespectofanygoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisnolongerregistered.

Transferability of trade marks

174. (1) Ascontemplatedinsection161aregisteredtrademarkoranapplicationforregistrationofatrademarkmaybe–

(a) assigned or transferred either in connection with or without thegoodwillofthebusinessconcerned;or

(b) assignedortransferredinrespectofeitherallofthegoodsorservicestowhichthetrademarkapplies,orinrespectofsomebutnotallofthosegoodsorservices.

(2) Despitetheprovisionsofsubsection(1),anyassignmentortransferofexclusiverightstomorethanonepersonincircumstanceswhicharelikelytodeceiveorcauseconfusion,isinvalid.

PART 8SURRENDER, REMOVAL AND INVALIDATION

Surrender of registered trade mark

175. The registered owner of a trade mark registration may at any timeduringthedurationoftheregistration,intheprescribedmanner,requesttheRegistrartocanceltheregistration,eitherpartiallyortotallyinrespectofthegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichitisregistered.

Removal for non-use

176. (1) AnypersonmaybyapplicationrequesttheRegistrartoremove,partiallyortotally,atrademarkfromtheregisterinrespectofanyorallofthegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichitisregisteredonthegroundthatuptothreemonthspriortofilingtheapplicationandafterthedateofissueoftheregistrationcertificate,therehadbeennobona fideuseofthemarkinthecourseoftradebytheregisteredowneroralicenseeascontemplatedinsection167oraregistereduserascontemplatedinsection170,astheywererecordedintheregisterfromtimetotime,duringacontinuousperiodofthreeormoreyears.

(2) Anapplicantisnotentitledtorelyforthepurposesofsubsection(1)onanynon-useofatrademarkiftheregisteredownercanshowthatsuchnon-usewasduetospecialcircumstancesinthetradeandnottoanyintentionnottouseortoabandonthetrademarkinrelationtothegoodsorservicestowhichtheapplicationrelates.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a trade mark in respect of whichprotectionmay be claimed under the ParisConvention as awell-known trademarkwithinthemeaningofsection196.



Removal when mark becomes generic name

177. Where a registered trademark is or containsmatterwhich is not ornolongercapableofdistinguishingwithinthemeaningofsection134,anyinterestedpersonmayapplytotheRegistrartorequirethattheregisteredownermust–

(a) disclaimanyrighttotheexclusiveuseofsuchmatter;or

(b) makesuchotherdisclaimerorendorsementasmaybenecessary fordefiningtherightsundertheregistration;or

(c) removetheregistration,

but,anysuchdisclaimerorendorsementorremovaldoesnotaffectanyotherrightsoftheregisteredownerinrespectofthetrademarkexceptasarisingoutoftheregistration.

Procedure and effect of removal

178. (1) Anapplicationundersection176or177mustbefiledwiththeRegistrarintheformandmannerasprescribed,andmustbeaccompaniedbyastatementsettingoutthegroundorgroundsonwhichtheapplicantreliesfortheregistrationtoberemoved.

(2) An application for the removal of a trademark from the register ofmarks, together with the statement setting out the ground or grounds onwhich theapplicantrelies,must,intheprescribedmanner,beservedontheownerofthemark.

(3) The owner has the right to submit, in the prescribedmanner, to theRegistrarhisorherreplytotheapplicationfortheremovalofthetrademark.

(4) The partiesmust follow the procedure and submit such evidence asprescribedandtheRegistrarmust,inthemannercontemplatedinsection147,decidethematteranddeterminetherelief,ifany,tobegranted.

(5) TheRegistrarmaynot remove a trademark from the register if theowner of thatmark can show that special circumstances in the trade existedwhichpreventedtheuseofthemarkandthattherewasnointentionnottousethemarkinrespectofthosegoodsorservices,orthattherewasnointentiontoabandontheuseofthemarkinrespectofthosegoodsorservices,ascontemplatedinsection176(2).

Invalidation of registration

179. (1) Any interested person may apply to the Tribunal for theinvalidationoftheregistrationofatrademarkonthegroundthattherequirementsofsection131,137or138havenotbeencompliedwithorarenolongercompliedwith.

(2) Anapplicationunder subsection (1)mustbemade in theprescribedmannerandbeaccompaniedbyastatementsettingthegroundorgroundsonwhichtheapplicantreliesfortheregistrationtobeinvalidated.



(3) Anapplication for the invalidationof a registrationof a trademark,togetherwiththestatementsettingoutthegroundorgroundsonwhichtheapplicantrelies,mustbeservedontheownerofthetrademarkintheprescribedmanner.

(4) The owner has the right to submit, in the prescribedmanner, to theTribunal,hisorherreplytotheapplicationfortheinvalidationoftheregistration.

(5) The partiesmust follow the procedure and submit such evidence asprescribedandtheTribunalmust,takingintoaccounttherequirementsofsection147,decidethematteranddeterminetherelief,ifany,tobegranted.

(6) If the Tribunal is satisfied that an amendment of the trade markregistration will remove the ground of invalidity, it may uphold the trade markregistrationsubject tosuchamendmentandsubject tosuch termsorconditionsas itdeemsfit.

(7) ThefinaldecisionoftheTribunalmustbenotifiedtotheRegistrarwhomustrecorditandassoonaspossiblepublishitinthebulletin.

Effect of invalidation

180. Anyorderfortheremovalorinvalidationofaregistrationortheentryontheregisterofanamendmentordisclaimerrelatingtotheregistrationofamarkmustbedeemedtohavebeeneffective-

(a) fromthedateoftheapplicationforsuchorder;or

(b) if theRegistrar is satisfied that grounds for suchorder existed at anearlierdate,suchearlierdate.

Notification, recording and publication of surrender, removal or invalidation

181. Anoticeofanysurrender,removalorinvalidationof,oranyamendmentordisclaimerinrespectof,aregisteredtrademarkmustbepublishedinthebulletinbytheRegistrarassoonaspossibleaftertherespectiveorder.

PART 9INFRINGEMENT


182. Therightsacquiredbyregistrationofatrademarkareinfringedby-

(a) the unauthorised use in the course of trade in relation to goods orservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisregistered,ofanidenticalmarkorofamarksonearlyresemblingitastobelikelytodeceiveorcauseconfusion;

(b) the unauthorised use of a mark which is identical or similar to theregistered trademark, in the course of trade in relation to goods orserviceswhich are so similar to the goods or services in respect of



which the trademark is registered, that in such use there exists thelikelihoodofdeceptionorconfusion;

(c) theunauthoriseduseinthecourseoftradeinrelationtoanygoodsorservicesof amarkwhich is identicalor similar toa registered trademarkregistered,ifsuchtrademarkiswellknowninNamibiaandtheuseof the saidmarkwouldbe likely to takeunfairadvantageof,orbeprejudicialordetrimentalto,thedistinctivecharacterorthereputeof the registered trade mark, despite the absence of confusion ordeception.

Infringement proceedings and remedies

183. (1) Wherea trademark registered in termsof thisActhasbeeninfringedandlegalproceedingsareinstitutedbytheregisteredowneroralicenseeascontemplatedinsection152,theTribunalmaygranttheregisteredownerorthelicenseethefollowingrelief,namely–

(a) aninterdict;

(b) anorder–

(i) for the removal of the infringing mark from all infringinggoodsormaterials;and

(ii) wheretheinfringingmarkisinseparableorincapableofbeingremoved,anorderthatallsuchgoodsormaterialsbedelivereduptotheclaimant;

(c) damages,includingthosearisingintermsofsection147(8);

(d) in lieuofdamages,attheoptionoftheclaimant,areasonableroyaltywhichwouldhavebeenpayablebyalicenseefortheuseofthetrademarkconcerned,includinganyusewhichtookplaceafteradvertisementoftheacceptanceofanapplicationforregistrationandwhich,iftakingplace after registration, would amount to infringement of the rightsacquiredbyregistration.

(2) For the purposes of determining the amount of any damages orreasonableroyaltytobeawardedunderthissection,theTribunalmaydirectanenquirytobeheldandmaydeterminesuchproceduresforconductingsuchenquiryasitmaydeemfit.

(3) Beforeapersoninstitutesproceedingsintermsofthissectioninrespectoftheinfringementofatrademarkregistrationheorshemustgivenoticeinwritingoftheintentiontodosototheregisteredowner,ifapplicable,andtoeveryotherregisteredownerorregistereduserorlicenseeconcernedwhosenameisrecordedintheregisterin respect of that registration, and the registered owner or any such other person isentitled to intervene insuchproceedingsand torecoveranydamagesheorshemayhavesufferedasaresultoftheinfringement.



Meaning of infringing goods

184. Forpurposesofsection183,“infringinggoods”include-

(a) goodsthatarethesameorsosimilartothegoodsinrespectofwhichthetrademarkisregisteredthattheuseofthetrademarkonsuchgoodsislikelytocausedeceptionorconfusion,iftheregisteredtrademarkoramarksocloselyresemblingitastobelikelytodeceiveorconfusehasbeenappliedtoorisused,withouttheauthorisationoftheownerofthetrademarkregistration,inrelationtosuchgoodsmanufactured,producedormadewithouttheauthorityofsuchowner;and

(b) printingplatesorotherequipmentormaterialsusedorintendedtobeusedforapplyingaregisteredtrademarkwithouttheauthorisationofthetrademarkowner,orthemanufacture,productionormakingoftheunauthorisedgoodsascontemplatedinparagraph(a).

Order as to disposal of infringing goods

185. (1) Whereanorder ismade for thedeliveryupofanygoodsormaterialsascontemplatedinsection183(1),theTribunalmay,ifitdeemsitappropriateinthecircumstances,refersuchordertotheRegistrarforhisorherconsiderationanddeterminationundersubsection(2).

(2) Ifareferralismadeundersubsection(1),theRegistrarmustconsiderwhetherornottheinfringingtrademarkcanberemovedfromthosegoodsand,aftertheremovaloftheinfringingtrademark,whetherornotanyofsuchgoodscouldbere-usedwithoutcausingprejudiceorharmtotheownerofthetrademarkoraregisteredlicenseeorregistereduser,includingprejudicetothedistinctivecharacterorreputeoftheregisteredtrademark,andiftheRegistrarcomestotheconclusionthatsuchre-usewouldbepossibleheorshemustreferthematterbacktotheTribunalwithhisorherrecommendationfortheTribunaltomakeanappropriateorder.

Remedy for groundless threats of infringement proceedings

186. (1) Any person threatened with infringement proceedings whocanprovethattheactsperformedortobeperformedbyhimorherdonotconstituteinfringementofatrademarkmayrequesttheTribunaltograntaninterdicttoprohibitsuchthreatsandawarddamagesforfinanciallossresultingfromthethreats.

(2) Proceedingsundersubsection(1)maynotbeinstitutedafterfiveyearsfromthedateofthethreats.

(3) Themerenotificationoftheexistenceofatrademarkregistrationdoesnotconstituteathreatwithinthemeaningofsubsection(1).

(4) Thepersonmakingsuchthreatsandagainstwhomreliefissoughtinproceedingsundersubsection(1)mayapplybywayofacounterclaimforanyrelieftowhichheorshewouldbeentitledinseparateproceedingsinrespectofanyinfringementbytheplaintiffofthetrademarkregistrationtowhichthethreatrelates.



PART 10CERTIFICATION AND COLLECTIVE MARKS

Applicability of other provisions

187. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2)and(3)andsections188,189and190,theprovisionsofthisChapterdo,insofarastheycanbeapplied,applytocertificationandcollectivetrademarks,savethatreferencesinthesaidprovisionstoatrademarkmustbereadasbeingreferencestoacertificationoracollectivetrademark,asthecasemaybe.

(2) Geographicalnamesorotherindicationsofgeographicaloriginmayberegisteredascertificationorcollectivetrademarks.

(3) In applying the provisions of this Chapter in respect of the use ofa certification or collective mark, the rules governing the use of a certification orcollectivemarkasreferredtoinsection188mustbetakenintoaccount.

Application for registration of certification or collective mark

188. (1) Anapplicationfortheregistrationofacertificationtrademarkmustdesignatethemarkasacertificationmarkandmustbeaccompaniedbyastatementbytheapplicantcontainingtheinformationasprescribed,andbyacopyoftherulesgoverningtheuseofcertificationmark.

(2) An application for the registration of a collective trade mark mustdesignate themarkas acollectivemarkandmustbeaccompaniedbyacopyof therulesgoverningtheuseofthecollectivetrademarkandcontainingtheinformationasprescribed.

(3) For thepurposesof subsections (1) and (2), “rules”means the rulesmadeby thepersonunderwhosecontrol thecertificationorcollectivemarkmaybeused.

(4) TheregisteredownerofacertificationmarkoracollectivemarkmustnotifytheRegistrar,inwritingandinthemannerprescribed,ofanychangesmadeinrespectoftherulesreferredtoinsubsection(3).

Examination of application for registration

189. If theRegistrar issatisfiedthat therequirementsofsection188havebeenmet,heorshemustaccepttheapplicationasprovidedforinsection146anddealfurtherwiththeapplicationascontemplatedinthatsection.

Invalidation of registration of certification or collective mark

190. (1) In addition to the grounds referred to in sections 176, 177and179,theRegistrarmayinvalidatetheregistrationofacertificationtrademarkoracollectivetrademarkif thepersonrequestingtheinvalidationprovesthatthetrademarkisusedinamannercontrarytotherulesreferredtoinsection188,orthatitsuse



ispermittedinamannerwhichislikelytodeceivetradecirclesorthepublicastotheoriginoranyothercommoncharacteristicsofthegoodsorservicesconcerned.

(2) An application for the invalidation of a certification or a collectivetrademarkmustbeservedontheownerofthetrademarkinthemannerandwithinthetimeprescribed.

PART 11TRADE NAMES AND ACTS OF UNFAIR COMPETITION

Prohibited trade names

191. (1) A name or designationmay not be used as a trade name if,byitsnatureortheusetowhichitmaybeput, itwillbecontrarytopublicorderormoralityorifitwillbelikelytodeceivetradecirclesorthepublicastothenatureoftheenterpriseidentifiedbythatname.

(2) Anyuseofa tradenamethat is likely tomisleadthepublicmustberegardedasunlawful.

Protection of trade names

192. Despite any law providing for the registration of trade names, suchnamesareprotectedbycommonlaw,evenpriortoorwithoutregistration,againstanyunlawfulactcommittedbythirdparties.

Transferability of trade names

193. (1) Atradenamemaybe–

(a) assignedortransferredwiththegoodwillofthebusinessinrelationtowhichitisused;or

(b) assignedortransferredinrespectofsomeorallofthegoodsorservicesinrespecttowhichitisusedintheconductofthatbusiness.

(2) Despite the provisions of subsection (1), any assignment or transferof the rights to a trade name in circumstanceswhich are likely to deceive or causeconfusion,isinvalid.

Acts of unfair competition

194. (1) Anyactofcompetitioncontrarytohonestpracticesinindustrialorcommercialmattersisunlawful.

(2) WithoutderogatingfromwhatconstitutesarestrictivebusinesspracticeprohibitedunderPartIorPartIIofChapter3oftheCompetitionAct,2003(ActNo.2of2003),forpurposeofthisActthefollowingactsaredeemedtoconstituteactsofunlawfulcompetition-



(a) actsofsuchnatureastocreateconfusioninanymannerorbyanymeanswith the establishment, the goods, or the industrial or commercialactivitiesofacompetitor;

(b) themakingoffalseallegationsinthecourseoftradeofsuchnatureastodiscredittheestablishment,thegoods,ortheindustrialorcommercialactivitiesofacompetitor;

(c) the disclosure, acquisition or use in a manner contrary to honestcommercialpracticesofsecretinformationwithoutthewrittenconsentofthepersonlawfullyincontrolofthatinformation;and

(d) indications or allegations in the course of trade that are likely tomislead the public as to the nature, the manufacturing process, thecharacteristics, the suitability for their purpose, or thequality of thegoodsofacompetitor.

Indication of source and origin

195. (1) Any person who sells or distributes in Namibia any goodswhichwerenotmadeorproducedinNamibia,andtowhichthereisappliedanynameormarkbeingorpurportingtobethenameormarkofanymanufacturer,producerortraderinNamibiaorthenameofanyplaceordistrictinNamibia,commitsanoffence,unlessthereisaddedtothatnameormark,inaconspicuousmanner,thenameofthecountryinwhichthegoodsweremadeorproduced,withastatement that theyweremadeorproducedthere.

(2) AnypersonwhosellsordistributesinNamibiaanygoodswhichwerenotmadeorproducedinNamibia,andtowhichthereisappliedanytrademark,markortradedescriptioninanyofficiallanguageofNamibia,commitsanoffence,unlessthereisaddedtothatmarkordescription,inaconspicuousmanner,thenameofthecountryinwhichthegoodsweremadeorproduced,withastatementthattheyweremadeorproducedthere.

(3) Apersonwhointentionallyorrecklesslycontravenesorfailstocomplywithsubsection(1)or(2)isliabletoafinenotexceedingN$10000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding24monthsortoboththefineandimprisonment.

PART 12INTERNATIONAL MATTERS

Protection of well-known trade marks

196. (1) References in thisAct to a trade mark which is entitled toprotectionundertheParisConventionasawell-knowntrademarkaretoamarkwhichiswellknowninNamibiaasbeingthemarkof–

(a) apersonwhoisanationalofaconventioncountry;or



(b) apersonwhoisdomiciledin,orhasarealandeffectiveindustrialorcommercial establishment in, a convention country, whether or notsuchpersoncarriesonbusiness,orhasanygoodwill,inNamibia.

(2) Indeterminingforthepurposesofsubsection(1)whetherornotatrademarkiswell-knowninNamibia,dueregardmustbegiventotheknowledgeofthetrademarkintherelevantsectorofthepublicofNamibia,includingknowledgewhichhasbeenobtainedasaresultofthepromotionofthetrademark.

(3) AreferenceinthisActtotheownerofsuchamarkmustbeconstruedinaccordancewithsubsection(1).

(4) TheownerofatrademarkwhichisentitledtoprotectionundertheParisConventionasawell-knowntrademark,eventhoughitisnotregisteredinNamibia,isentitledtorestraintheuseinNamibiaofatrademarkwhichconstitutes,ortheessentialpart ofwhich constitutes, a reproduction, imitationor translationof thewell-knowntrademarkinrelationtogoodsorserviceswhichareidenticalorsimilartothegoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichthetrademarkiswellknownandwheretheuseislikelytocausedeceptionorconfusion.

(5) Theprovisionsof subsection (4)applyonly fromadateprior to thecommencementofthisActortothedateonwhichthewell-knowntrademarkbecameentitled, inNamibia, to protection under the Paris Convention,whichever datewaslater.

(6) Whereauthorisationofthecompetentauthorityofaconventioncountryoraninternationalorganisationisrequiredfortheregistrationofamarkasatrademark,suchauthorityororganisationisentitledtorestraintheuseinNamibiaofsuchamarkwithoutsuchauthorisation.

National emblems and emblems of international organisations

197. (1) Thefollowingmarksmaynotberegisteredastrademarksor,ifregistered,areliabletoberemovedfromtheregister-

(a) amarkwhichconsistsoforcontainsthenationalflagofNamibiaora convention country, or an imitation fromaheraldicpoint of view,without the authorisation of the competent authority of Namibiaor convention country, as the casemay be, unless it appears to theRegistrar that use of the flag in the manner proposed is permittedwithoutsuchauthorisation;

(b) amarkwhichconsistsoforcontainsthearmorialbearingsoranyotherstateemblemofNamibiaoraconventioncountry,oranimitationfroma heraldic point of view,without the authorisation of the competentauthorityofNamibiaorconventioncountry,asthecasemaybe;

(c) amarkwhichconsistsoforcontainsanofficialsignorhallmarkadoptedbyNamibiaoraconventioncountry,oranimitationfromaheraldicpointofview,andwhichindicatescontrolandwarranty,inrelationtogoods



orservicesofthesameorasimilarkindasthoseinrelationtowhichitindicatescontrolandwarranty,withouttheauthorisationofthecompetentauthorityofNamibiaorconventioncountry,asthecasemaybe;

(d) amarkwhichconsistsoforcontainstheflag,thearmorialbearingsoranyotheremblem,oranimitationfromaheraldicpointofview,orthename,ortheabbreviationofthename,ofanyinternationalorganisationofwhichoneormoreconventioncountriesaremembers,withouttheauthorisationoftheorganisationconcerned,unlessitappearstotheRegistrarthatuseof theflag, armorial bearings, other emblemor imitationor thenameorabbreviationinthemannerproposed,isnotsuchastosuggesttothepublicthataconnectionexistsbetweentheorganisationandthemark,orisnotlikelytomisleadthepublicastotheexistenceofaconnectionbetweentheorganisationandtheproprietorofthemark.

(2) Theprovisionsofsubsection(1)(b),(c)and(d)apply-

(a) to a state emblem and an official sign or hallmark of a conventioncountryandanemblem,thename,ortheabbreviationofthename,ofaninternationalorganisationonlyifandtotheextentthat–

(i) the convention country or international organisation, as thecasemaybe,hasnotifiedNamibiainaccordancewithArticle6ter of the Paris Convention that it desires to protect thatemblem,officialsignorhallmark,nameorabbreviation,asthecasemaybe;

(ii) suchnotificationremainsinforce;and

(iii) Namibia has not objected to it in accordance with Article6terof theParisConventionoranysuchobjectionhasbeenwithdrawn;and

(b) only in relation to applications for registrationmademore than twomonthsafterreceiptofthenotificationreferredtoinparagraph(a)(i).

(3) The provisions of subsection (1)(b) or (c) may not prevent theregistrationofatrademarkbyanationalofanycountrywhoisauthorisedtomakeuseofastateemblemorofficialsignorhallmarkofthatcountry,despitethefactthatitissimilartothatofanothercountry.

PART 13INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UNDER THE MADRID PROTOCOL

Definitions

198. ForthepurposesofthisPart–

“basicapplication”meansanapplicationfortheregistrationofatrademarkmadeinNamibiaandwhichisusedasabasisforaninternationalapplicationundertheMadridProtocol,and“basicregistration”hasacorrespondingmeaning;



“dateofthedesignationofNamibia”meansthedateofaninternationalapplicationinwhichNamibiawasdesignatedorthedateofasubsequentdesignationofNamibia,asthecasemaybe;

“Common Regulations” mean the Common Regulations of 1996 made under theMadridAgreementConcerningtheInternationalRegistrationofMarksandtheProtocolRelatedtothatAgreement;

“date of international registration”, “date of subsequent designation”, “designation”,“holder”, “international application”, “International Bureau”, “internationalregistration”,and“subsequentdesignation”havethesamemeaningas in theMadridProtocolorintheCommonRegulations,asthecasemaybe;

“Madrid Agreement” means the Madrid Agreement Concerning the InternationalRegistrationofMarksof1891;and

“MadridProtocol”means theProtocol relating to theMadridAgreementconcerningtheInternationalRegistrationofMarks,adoptedinMadridonJune27,1989andtheRegulationsissuedthereunder,asamendedfromtimetotime.

Protection of mark containing designation of Namibia

199. (1) Where an international registration of a mark contains adesignationofNamibia, theprotectionof themark inNamibia is, subject to section200,asfromthedateofthedesignationofNamibiathesameasifthemarkhadbeenthesubjectofanapplicationforregistrationfiledunderthisAct.

(2) TheRegistrarmustdealwithinternationalapplicationsorinternationalregistrations in accordance with the provisions of sections 200 and 201 and, inaccordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulationsissuedthereunder.

(3) IfthereisaconflictbetweentheprovisionsoftheMadridProtocolortheCommonRegulationsissuedthereunderandtheprovisionsofthisAct,theMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulationsprevail.

International registration containing designation of Namibia

200. (1) Where the Registrar is notified by the International Bureauthat an international applicationoran international registrationofamarkcontainsadesignationofNamibia,theRegistrarmustproceedinaccordancewithsection145asiftherelevantmarkisthesubjectofanapplicationunderthisAct.

(2) WheretheRegistrarfindsthattherequirementsreferredtoinsection145arenotcompliedwithorhaveonlypartlybeencompliedwith,theRegistrarmustnotify the InternationalBureau that, to the extent that the said requirements are notcompliedwith,protectionofthemarkinNamibiaisrefused.

(3) Afternoticeof refusalhasbeengiven to the InternationalBureau interms of subsection (2), the holder of the international application or internationalregistrationmaytakesuchstepsasareavailabletoanapplicantunderthisActwithin



suchperiodasmaybeprescribed,andtheRegistrarmust,onceafinaldecisionhasbeenmade,notifytheInternationalBureauofthatdecision.

(4) Where,inthecircumstancescontemplatedinsubsection(3),theholderoftheinternationalapplicationorinternationalregistrationfailstotakesuchstepswithintheprescribedperiod,theapplicationmustbeconsideredashavingbeenabandoned.

(5) Where an application is based on a designation of Namibia ascontemplatedinsubsection(1),thepublicationoftheinternationalregistrationintermsofArticle3(4)oftheMadridProtocolisdeemedtobeapublicationascontemplatedinsection150,exceptthattheRegistrarmustalsopublishthedesignationinthebulletinascontemplatedinsection150.

(6) Any person may, within the prescribed period after the publicationin termsofsubsection(5)and in theprescribedmanner,givenotice to theRegistrarof opposition to the protection of themark on the grounds that one ormore of therequirementsreferredtoinsection131,134,137or138arenotcompliedwith.

(7) Uponreceiptofthenoticeofoppositionreferredtoinsubsection(6),theRegistrarmustassoonasisreasonablypossiblenotifytheInternationalBureauofsuchopposition.

(8) The subsequent procedure applicable to the application must be inaccordancewithsection147(2)to(5)andreferencestotheapplicantmustbeconstruedasreferencestotheholderoftheinternationalregistration.

(9) OnceafinaldecisionhasbeenmadebytheRegistrarinanoppositionascontemplatedinsubsections(6),(7)and(8),theRegistrarmustnotifytheInternationalBureauofthatdecision.

(10) Nonotificationinaccordancewithsubsection(2)or(7)maybesenttotheInternationalBureauaftertheexpiryofaperiodofoneyearfromthedateonwhichtheInternationalBureaunotifiedtheRegistrarofthedesignationconcerned.

(11) WheretheRegistrarfindsthat–

(a) therequirementsreferredtoinsection145(2)havebeencompliedwith;and

(b) no opposition has been entered in terms of subsection (6) or suchopposition,ifany,hasnotbeensuccessful,

the Registrar must register the trade mark in the appropriate register and issue theregisteredownerwitharegistrationcertificate,andmustpublishareferencetothetrademarkregistrationinthebulletin.

(12) Where a basic application for the registration of a mark filed withtheOffice,orwhereabasicregistrationofatrademarkregisteredbytheOfficeistobe used as the basis for an international registration under theMadridProtocol, theRegistrarmustdeterminewhethersuchbasicapplicationorregistrationcomplieswith



therequirementsforaninternationalapplicationundertheMadridProtocol,andiftheRegistrarissatisfiedthatitdoes,heorshemust-

(a) certify the particulars appearing in the international application asprovidedbytheMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations;

(b) indicatethedateoftheinternationalapplicationinaccordancewiththeMadridProtocolandtheCommonRegulations;and

(c) transmittheinternationalapplicationtotheInternationalBureauwithintwomonthsofthedatereferredtoinparagraph(b).

Invalidation of a trade mark registered under the Madrid Protocol

201. Where a trade mark registration registered in Namibia under theMadrid Protocol has been invalidated in terms of section 179 or removed in termsofsection176,theRegistrarmustassoonaspossiblenotifytheInternationalBureauaccordingly.

PART 14GENERAL

Appeals

202. (1) TheTribunalhasjurisdictioninallcasesofdisputerelatingtotheregistrationofatrademarkunderthisChapter,andinallmatterswhichunderthisChaptermaybereferredtotheTribunal.

(2) Anydecision takenby theRegistrarunder thisChapter, including inregardtotheregistrationofa trademarkoracertificationtrademarkoracollectivetrademark,orinregardtotherejectionofanapplicationforsucharegistration,maybethesubjectofanappealtotheTribunalbyaninterestedpartyinthematterbeforetheRegistrar,andsuchappealmustbefiledandprosecutedasprescribed.

(3) Anychangeoramendmentorcorrectionofanydocumentformingpartof an applicationor a trademark registrationor the registrationof a certificationorcollectivetrademarkmay,onapplicationbyaninterestedpartytotheTribunal,besetasidebytheTribunalifsuchchangeoramendmentorcorrectiondoesnotcomplywiththeprovisionsofthisAct.

CHAPTER5GENERALPROVISIONS

PART 1REGISTER AS EVIDENCE, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF REGISTRAR

Evidence of register and certain documents

203. (1) Theregisterisprima facieevidenceofanymatterdirectedorauthorisedbythisActtobeenteredtherein.



(2) AcertificatepurportingtobesignedbytheRegistrar,totheeffectthatanyentryauthorisedbythisActtobemade,hasorhasnotbeenmade,orthatanyotherthingsoauthorisedtobedone,hasorhasnotbeendone,isprima facieevidenceofthemattersspecifiedinthatcertificate.

(3) AcopyoranextractpurportingtobeacopyofanentryintheregisterorofadocumentkeptattheOfficeoranextractfromtheregisteroranysuchdocument,andpurporting tobe certifiedby theRegistrar and tobe sealedwith the seal of theOffice,will be admitted in evidence before theTribunal or any other courtwithoutfurtherprooforproductionoftheoriginals.

Evidence of ownership

204. (1) Thepersonappearing from the register tobe theownerofapatentorautilitymodelcertificateoranindustrialdesignregistrationortheregistrationofatrademark,includingacertificationorcollectivetrademark,oranapplicantinanapplicationforanysuchtitleunderthisActhas,subjecttoanyrightappearingfromtheregistertobevestedinanyotherperson,thepowertodealwithsuchindustrialpropertytitleorapplicationastheownerthereof.

(2) InalllegalproceedingsrelatingtoaregisteredindustrialpropertytitleunderthisAct,thefactthatapersonisregisteredastheownerofthetitleisprima facieevidenceofthevalidityoftheoriginalregistrationofownershipofthetitleandofallsubsequentassignmentsandtransmissionsofsuchownership.

(3) Theprovisions of subsections (1) and (2) donot protect anypersondealingwithanownerorapplicantotherwisethanasabona fidelicensee,purchaser,hypothecaryorjudgmentcreditorandwithoutnoticeofanyfraudonthepartofsuchownerorapplicant.

(4) Except as expressly otherwise provided in thisAct, a document orinstrument in respect of which no entry has beenmade in the register may not beadmitted in evidence in anyproceedings in proof of the title to a patent or a utilitymodelcertificateoranindustrialdesignregistrationortheregistrationofatrademark,includingacertificationorcollectivemark,or anapplication toanysuch title,or toanyinteresttherein,unlesstheRegistrar,Tribunalorthecourt,ongoodcauseshown,otherwisedirects.

(5) Except as expressly otherwise provided in thisAct, no person whodoesnotappear fromthe registerashavingan interest inan industrialproperty titleunderthisActoranapplicationtherefore,maybeallowedtoprovesuchinterestinanyproceedings,unlesstheRegistrar,Tribunalorthecourt,ongoodcauseshown,otherwisedirects.

Loss of document

205. IfanydocumentissuedbytheRegistrarorlodgedwiththeRegistrarislost,theRegistrarmust,ontherequestofanypersonentitledtosuchdocumentandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee,furnishsuchpersonwithacopyofsuchdocumentissuedorlodgedinsofarasthisispossible,or,ifacopycannotbefurnished,furnishsuchpersonwithacertificateinrespectthereof.



Exercise of discretionary powers by Registrar

206. (1) IftheRegistrarissatisfiedthatthecircumstancesjustifyit,theRegistrarmay,onreceivingawrittenrequesttoextendthetimefordoinganyactortakinganyproceedingunderthisAct,onsuchtermsastheRegistrarmaydetermine,extendthetime.

(2) In exercising any discretion vested in theRegistrar by thisAct, theRegistrarmustgiveanypartytoaproceedingbeforehimorher,oranyotherpartywhoappearsfromtheregistertobeaninterestedparty,anopportunitytobeheardbeforeexercisingsuchdiscretionadverselytothatparty.

(3) Theextensionreferredtoinsubsection(1)maybegrantedeventhoughthetimefordoingtheactortakingtheproceedinghasexpired.

General powers of Registrar

207. (1) TheRegistrarmay,forthepurposesofhearinganddetermininganyproceedingsintermsofthisAct–

(a) receiveevidenceanddeterminewhetherandtowhatextentitmaybegivenbyaffidavitororallyonoathoraffirmation;

(b) summonwitnesses;

(c) issuecommissionsde bene esse inthesamemannerthatamagistrates’courtwoulddopursuanttosection53oftheMagistratesAct1944(ActNo.32of1944);

(c) order discovery or inspection, and require the due production ofdocuments;

(d) consideranyinterlocutoryorothermattersasmayseemexpedient;

(e) awardcostsagainstanypartytoanyproceedingsbeforehimorher,

andgenerallytheRegistrarhasinconnectionwithanyproceedingsbeforehimorherallsuchpowersandjurisdictionasarepossessedbytheTribunal.

(2) Where express provision is not contained in thisAct on anymatterofprocedure,theRegistrarmayhaverecoursetotherulesgoverningprocedureintheTribunal.

(3) Any party to proceedings before the Registrar may appeal to theTribunalagainstanydecisionororderpursuanttosuchproceedings.

Venue of proceedings and taxation of costs

208. (1) Theplacewhereanyproceedingsbefore theRegistrarunderthisAct are to be heard anddetermined in anyparticular case is determinedby the



Registrarafterconsultationwiththepartyorpartiesconcerned,andsuchproceedingsmustbeheardanddeterminedbytheRegistraratthatplace.

(2) AnycostsawardedbytheRegistrarmustbetaxedbyataxingofficeroftheTribunal,andpaymentthereofmaybeenforcedinthesamemannerasiftheywerecostsallowedbytheTribunal.

Correction of errors

209. (1) TheRegistrarmay–

(a) correctanyclericalerrororerrorintranslationortranscriptioninanyapplicationfiledunderthisAct,orinanydocumentfiledorlodgedinpursuanceofsuchapplication;

(b) correct any clerical error in any registermaintained pursuant to thisAct.

(2) Subsection(1)maynotbeconstruedasgivingtheRegistraranypowertocorrectoramendanapplication,documentorregisterinanymaterialmanner.

(3) Acorrectionmade inpursuanceof this sectionmaybemadeby theRegistraronhisorherownaccord,orontherequestofanyinterestedperson.

(4) Arequestpursuanttosubsection(3)mustbemadetotheRegistrarintheprescribedmannerandonpaymentoftheprescribedfee.

Rectification of register

210. (1) The Registrar may order the register to be rectified by themaking,amendmentordeletionofanyentrytherein,andsuchordermaybemadeeitheronarequestintheprescribedmannerorwithoutsuchrequest.

(2) IftheRegistrarintendstomakeanorderreferredtoinsubsection(1)otherwisethanonarequest,heorshemustgivenoticeoftheintentiontodosototheownerofor theapplicant for therelevant title,as thecasemaybe,and toanyotherpersonwho appears or to be concerned, and theRegistrarmust give suchowner orapplicantorotherpersonanopportunityofbeingheardbeforemakingtheorder.

PART 2INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

Agents and their functions

211. (1) WheretheordinaryresidenceorprincipalplaceofbusinessofanapplicantforanytitleunderthisActorinanymatterorproceedingasprovidedforbythisActisoutsideNamibia,heorshemustberepresentedbyanagentascontemplatedinsubsection(4)readwithsection212.

(2) Where the ordinary residence or principal place of business of anapplicantisinNamibia,heorshemayberepresentedbyanagentascontemplatedinsubsection(4)readwithsection212.



(3) The Registrar must permit an agent to do on behalf of the personforwhomsuchagenthasbeenappointedasanagent,anyactinconnectionwithanyregistration or application under thisAct or any related proceedings, except that nopersonotherthanapersonascontemplatedinsubsection(4)readwithsection212maybepermittedsotoact.

(4) Anagentis–

(a) a legalpractitioner residentandpractising inNamibia inaccordancewiththeLegalPractitioners’Act,1995(ActNo.15of1995);or

(b) apersonregisteredbytheRegistrarasanagentasprovidedinsection212.

Registration of agents

212. (1) TheRegistrarmustkeeparegisterofagentsinwhichthenameofeverypersonregisteredbytheRegistrarintermsofsubsection(2)mustberecorded,andtheregistermustcontainsuchinformationconcerningsuchagentsasprescribed.

(2) TheRegistrarmust, on application in the prescribedmanner andonpaymenttotheRegistraroftheprescribedfee,registerasanagent–

(a) apersonwhoproducesproofthatheorshehasbeenauthorisedunderanylawrepealedundersection239toactasanagentforpurposesofrepresentinganapplicantundersuchrepealedlaw,andwhoisdeemedtohavebeenauthorisedtoactasanagentunderthisAct;

(b) apersonwhoproducesproof to thesatisfactionof theRegistrar thathe or she holds a qualification recognised by the Minister throughregulationsmadeundersection236asbeingasuitablequalificationtoenablesuchpersontoactasanagent;or

(c) a person residing in Namibia who produces proof of passing theexaminationprescribedbytheMinister.

Removal of names from register of agents

213. (1) TheRegistrarmay,attherequestofanagentandafternoticeasprescribed,removefromtheregisterofagentsthenameofthatagent.

(2) TheTribunalorcourtmay,ontheapplicationoftheRegistraroranyotherinterestedparty,afternoticeasprescribedtothepersonconcerned,whoisentitledtobeheard,removethenameofanypersonregisteredordeemedtoberegisteredasanagentundersection214fromtheregisterofagentsiftheTribunalorcourtissatisfiedthatsuchpersonis–

(a) guiltyofconductas theTribunalorcourtmayconsider sufficient tojustifysuchremoval;or



(b) notafitandproperpersontocontinuetopractiseasanagent.

Entitlement to practice

214. (1) Apersonmaynot-

(a) practiseasanagent;or

(b) inanymannerholdhimselforherselfoutasanagentoruseanywordsoranyname,titleordescriptionindicating,orcalculatedtoleadpersonstoinfer,thatheorsheisanagentorisrecognisedassuchbylaw,

unlessheorshe-

(i) isregisteredasanagentundersection212andhisorhernamehasnotbeenremovedascontemplatedinsection213;or

(ii) isalegalpractitionerascontemplatedinsection211(4)(a);or

(iii) practises in partnershipwith a personwho is registered as an agentundersection212.

(2) Apersonwhocontravenessubsection(1)commitsanoffenceandonconvictionisliabletoafinenotexceedingN$10000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding24monthsortoboththefineandimprisonment.

PART 3INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY TRIBUNAL AND APPEALS

Industrial Property Tribunal

215. (1) There is establisheda tribunal tobeknownas the IndustrialPropertyTribunal.

(2) The Tribunal consists of three members, appointed by theMinisterafterconsultationwiththeMinisterresponsibleforjustice,ofwhom-

(a) one must be a person with legal qualifications and who has beenpractisinglawforaperiodofnotlessthanfiveyears,andwhowillbethechairperson;and

(b) twoarepersonswhohaveskills,knowledgeorexperienceinintellectualpropertymatters,economicalorfinancialmatters.

(3) TheMinistermust,byregulation,prescribethetermsandconditionsofappointmentofmembersoftheTribunal,theremunerationtobepaidtosuchmembers,the termination of such appointments and the filling of vacancies vacated by suchmembers.

(4) Despitetheprovisionsofthissection,thejudge-presidentofthecourt,attherequestoftheMinister,may,pendingtheappointmentofmembersoftheTribunal



ascontemplated in subsection (2),designateoneormore judgesoracting judgesofthecourttoexercisethepowersandperformthefunctionsanddutiesconferredontheTribunalbythisAct.

Oath of office

216. AmemberoftheTribunalappointedintermsofsection215(2)maynotperformanyfunctionassuchamemberunlessheorshehastakenanoathormadeanaffirmation,whichmustbesubscribedtobyhimorher,intheformasisprescribed.

Right of audience

217. InanyproceedingsbeforetheTribunalunderthisAct–

(a) thepartiestosuchproceedingsmayappearinpersonorberepresentedbyanagentascontemplatedinsection211(4)readwithsection212;and

(b) where theTribunal deemsfit, itmay grant to theRegistrar leave tointervene,andtheRegistrarmaythereafterappearorberepresentedasprovidedinparagraph(a).

Assessors

218. (1) The Tribunal may appoint any person with special expertknowledgetoactasanassessorinanadvisorycapacityinanycasewhereitappearstotheTribunalthatsuchknowledgeisrequiredfortheproperdeterminationofthecase.

(2) TheMinistermayprescribethetermsandconditionsapplicabletotheappointmentofassessors,andtheremunerationpayabletoassessors.

(3) TheTribunalmustgivedueconsiderationto,butisnotboundby,theopinionofanyassessor.

Secretary of Tribunal

219. (1) TheMinistermust,subjecttothePublicServiceAct1995(ActNo13of1995),appointastaffmembertobethesecretaryoftheTribunalwhoisinchargeoftheadministrativefunctionsoftheTribunal.

(2) TheMinistermayinlikemannerappointsuchotherstaffmembersasmaybenecessarytoassistthesecretaryintheperformanceofhisorherfunctions.

Seat and jurisdiction of Tribunal

220. (1) TheseatoftheTribunalisWindhoek,butthefunctionsoftheTribunalmay be performed at any such place inNamibia as the chairperson of theTribunalmaydetermine.

(2) TheTribunalhasjurisdictionto-



(a) decideanyappeallodgedwithitintermsofanyprovisionofthisAct;

(b) considerandgiveadecisiononanyapplicationmadetoitintermsofanyprovisionofthisAct;

(c) generallytoinquireandadjudicateuponanymatterwhichisrequiredorpermittedtobereferredtoitunderanyprovisionofthisActoranyotherlaw.

(3) Withoutderogatingfromthegeneralityofsubsection(2)-

(a) anydecisiontakenbytheRegistrarunderthisAct,includinginregardtothegrantofapatentorautilitymodelcertificateoraregistrationofanindustrialdesignorofatrademarkoracertificationtrademarkoracollectivetrademark,orinregardtotherejectionofanapplicationforsuchagrantorregistration,maybethesubjectofanappealtotheTribunalbyaninterestedpartyinthematterbeforetheRegistrar,andsuchappealmustbefiledandprosecutedasprescribed;and

(b) any change or amendment or correction of any document formingpartofanapplicationorofapatentorautilitymodeloranindustrialdesign registration or a trade mark registration or the registrationof a certification or collective trade mark may, on application byan interested party to the Tribunal, be set aside by the Tribunal ifsuch change or amendment or correction does not complywith theprovisionsofthisAct.

(4) TheTribunalhas,inconnectionwithanyproceedingsbeforeit,allsuchpowersandjurisdictionasarepossessedbyasinglejudgeofthecourtinacivilmatterbeforethecourt.

(5) Anydecision,orderordeterminationoftheTribunalmaybeexecutedasifitwereadecision,orderoradeterminationmadebythecourt.

(6) AnappealagainstanydecisionbytheTribunalliestothecourt.

References to Tribunal by Registrar

221. (1) When anymatter to be decided by the Registrar under thisActappearstohimorhertoinvolveapointoflawortobeofunusualimportanceorcomplexity,heorshemay,aftergivingnoticetotheparties,refersuchmattertotheTribunalforadecisionandmustthereafter,inrelationtosuchmatter,actinaccordancewiththedecisionoftheTribunaloranydecisionsubstitutedthereforonappealtotheTribunal.

(2) Where any matter has been referred to the Tribunal in terms ofsubsection (1), theRegistrar and theparties are entitled tobeheardby theTribunalbefore any decision is made in such matter and may appear or be represented asprovidedforinsection218.



General powers of Tribunal

222. (1) InanyappealtotheTribunalundersection220,theTribunalmay–

(a) accept evidence by affidavit or take oral evidence on oath oraffirmation;

(b) allowanywitnesstobecross-examinedonhisorheraffidavitororalevidence;

(c) confirm,setasideorvarytheorderordecisioninquestion;

(d) exercise anyof the powerswhich couldhavebeen exercisedby theRegistrar in proceedings in connection with which the appeal isbrought;and

(e) makesuchorderastocostsasitmaydeemfit.

(2) TheTribunalmust,inanyproceedingsbeforeitintermsofthissection,recordtheproceedingsandanyevidenceheardbyitandthedecisionmadebyitandthereasonstherefor.

Proceedings of Tribunal

223. (1) Proceedings before the Tribunal must be conducted inaccordancewiththerulesoftheTribunalprescribedbytheRulesBoardreferredtoinsection227.

(2) TheTribunalisnotbeboundbytherulesofevidenceapplicableincivilproceedings.

Summoning of witnesses

224. (1) ApartytoanyproceedingsbeforetheTribunal,mayprocuretheattendanceofanywitnessinthemannerprovidedforintherulesoftheTribunal.

(2) AnymemberoftheTribunalandanysittingpersonasanassessorinanyproceedingsbefore theTribunalmayputanyquestion toanywitnessappearingbeforeit.

(3) IfanypersonwhohasbeendulysubpoenaedtoattendanyproceedingsbeforetheTribunalforthepurposeofgivingevidenceorproducinganybook,record,documentor thing inhisorherpossessionorunderhisorhercontrol, failswithoutreasonablecausetoattendortogiveevidenceortoproducethatbook,record,documentor thing according to the subpoenaor, unless excusedby theTribunal, to remain inattendancethroughouttheproceedings,theTribunalmay,onbeingsatisfieduponoathoraffirmationorbyreturnofthepersonbywhomthesubpoenawasserved,thatsuchpersonhasbeendulysubpoenaedandthathisorherreasonableexpenseshavebeenpaidorofferedtohimorher,imposeuponthesaidpersonafinenotexceedingN$5000,orindefaultofpayment,imprisonmentforatermnotexceeding12monthsorbothsuchfineandimprisonment.



Costs

225. TheTribunalmay in any proceedings before itmake an order as tocostsasitthinksfit.

Contempt of Tribunal

226. Apersonwho-

(a) insults, disparages or belittles any member of the Tribunal in thatcapacity, or prejudices, influences or anticipates the proceedings orfindingsoftheTribunal;

(b) wilfully interrupts the proceedings of the Tribunal or misconductshimselforherselfinanymannerduringsuchproceedings;

(c) doesanythinginrelationtotheTribunalwhichifdoneinrelationtoacourtoflawwouldhaveconstitutedcontemptofcourt,

commitsanoffenceandonconviction is liable toafinenotexceedingN$5000orto imprisonment for a termnot exceeding 12months or to both suchfine and suchimprisonment.

Rules of Tribunal

227. (1) There is established the Industrial Property Tribunal RulesBoard(“theRulesBoard”)whichconsistsof-

(a) thejudge-presidentofthecourtoranyjudgeofthatcourtdesignatedfromtimetotimebythejudge-president,whoisthechairpersonoftheRulesBoard;

(b) one practising legal practitioner nominated by the Law Society ofNamibia;

(c) one legal practitioner serving in theMinistry responsible for justicedesignatedbytheMinisterresponsibleforjustice;and

(d) onestaffmemberservingintheMinistrydesignatedbytheMinister.

(2) TheRulesBoardmaymakerulesinrelationto-

(a) theconductoftheproceedingsoftheTribunal;

(b) themanner inwhich anymatter to be heard and determined by theTribunalmaybebroughtandcontinuedbeforeit;

(c) thetariffoffeeschargeablebyagents;

(d) thefeespayableinrespectoftheserviceorexecutionofanyprocessoftheTribunalandthetariffofcostsandexpenseswhichmaybeallowedinrespectofsuchserviceorexecution;



(e) thetaxationofbillsofcosts;

(f) thehoursduringwhich theofficeof the secretaryof theTribunal isopenforthetransactionofbusiness;

(g) the periodwithinwhich and themanner inwhich an appeal from adecisionoftheTribunaltothecourtmaybenoted;

(h) thefeestobepaidtoassessors;and

(i) generally,anymatterwhichmaybenecessaryorexpedienttoprescribeinordertoensuretheproperdispatchandconductoftheproceedingsoftheTribunal.

(3) Rulesmadeintermsofsubsection(2)mayprovideforthesummarydeterminationofanyappealwhichappearstotheTribunaltobefrivolousorvexatiousorbroughtforthepurposeofdelay.

(4) NorulemadebytheRulesBoardundersubsection(2)isofanyforceandeffectunlessitispublishedintheGazette bythechairpersonoftheRulesBoard.

Appeals to Court

228. (1) In addition to any right of appeal specifically conferred inrespectofproceedingsunderthisAct,anypartytoanyproceedingsbeforetheTribunalmayappealagainstanydecision,orderordetermination,givenbytheTribunalasifitwereajudgmentoranordergivenincivilproceedingsbyamagistrates’courtbeingappealedagainsttothecourt.

(2) InadditiontoanyotherpowersconferreduponitbythisAct,thecourtmayinrelationtosuchappeal–

(a) confirm, vary or reverse the order or decision appealed against, asjusticemayrequire;

(b) iftherecorddoesnotfurnishsufficientevidenceorinformationforthedeterminationoftheappeal,remitthemattertotheRegistrar,MinisterorTribunalwithinstructionsinregardtothetakingoffurtherevidenceorthesettingoutoffurtherinformation;

(c) orderthepartiesoreitherofthemtoproduceatsomeconvenienttimein thecourtofappealsuchfurtherproofas to itdeemsnecessaryordesirable;

(d) takeanyothercoursewhichmayleadtothejust,speedyandeffectivesettlementofthecase;and

(e) makesuchorderastocostsasjusticemayrequire.

(3) Everyappealtothecourtmustbenotedandprosecutedinthemannerprescribedbylawforappealstoitagainstajudgment,orderordecisionofamagistrates’court.



Expenses of Tribunal

229. The expenditure incidental to the performance of functions of theTribunal must be defrayed from the money appropriated by Parliament and madeavailable to theMinistry responsible for trade and industry for the purposes of theTribunal.

PART 4OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

Falsification of documents

230. Anypersonwho–

(a) makesorcausestobemadeafalseentryintheregister;

(b) makesorcausestobemadeadocumentfalselypurportingtobeacopyofanentryintheregister;or

(c) producesortendersorcausestobeproducedortenderedasevidenceanysuchfalseentryorcopythereof,

knowing it tobe false, commits anoffence andon conviction is liable to afinenotexceedingN$5000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsortobothsuchfineandimprisonment.

Falsely representing industrial property rights

231. (1) Anypersonwho-

(a) falselyrepresentsthatanyarticleisapatentedarticleorthatthereisaregistereddesigninrespectofthearticle;or

(b) represents that any article is the subject of a patent application or adesignapplication,knowing thatno suchapplicationhasbeenmadeor that an application made in respect thereof has been refused orwithdrawnorhaslapsed,

commits an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding N$5 000or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12months or to both such fine andimprisonment.

(2) Ifanypersondisposesofanyarticleonwhichisstamped,engravedorimpressedortowhichisotherwiseapplied–

(a) theword‘patent’,‘patented’oranyotherwordexpressingorimplyingthatthearticleispatentedoristhesubjectofapatentapplication;or

(b) theword‘design’or‘registereddesign’oranyotherwordexpressingorimplyingthatthereisaregistereddesigninrespectofthearticleorthatthearticleisthesubjectofadesignapplication;or



(c) anymarkingisappliedinanymannerexpressingorimplyingthatthearticleispatentedorthesubjectofadesignregistration,

heor she isdeemedfor thepurposesof this section to represent that thearticle isapatentedarticleorissubjecttoadesignregistration.

(3) Anypersonwhomakesarepresentation–

(a) withrespecttoamarknotbeingaregisteredtrademark,totheeffectthatitisaregisteredtrademark;

(b) withrespecttoapartofaregisteredtrademarknotbeingapartseparatelyregisteredasatrademark,totheeffectthatitissoregistered;

(c) totheeffectthataregisteredtrademarkisregisteredinrespectofanygoodsorservicesinrespectofwhichitisnotregistered;or

(d) to the effect that the registration of a trademark gives an exclusiverighttotheusethereofinanycircumstancesinwhich,havingregardtolimitationsenteredintheregister,theregistrationdoesnotgivethatright,

commits an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding N$ 5 000or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12months or to both such fine andimprisonment.

(4) Forthepurposesofsubsection(3),theuseinNamibiainrelationtoatrademarkoftheword‘registered’orofanyabbreviationthereoforofanyotherwordorletterwhichmightreasonablybeconstruedasreferringtoregistration,includingthesymbolR,isdeemedtoimportareferencetoregistrationintheregisterexceptwheretheword,abbreviation, letteror symbol isused in relation toamark registeredasatrademarkunderthelawsofacountryoutsideNamibiaandinrelationtogoodstobeexportedtothatcountry.

(5) Theprovisionsofthissectiondonotapplytoapersonwhodisposesofarticles ingoodfaith in theordinarycourseof tradeand,whencalledupon todoso, discloses the identityof theperson fromwhomheor she acquired the article inquestion.

(6) Any personwho is of the opinion that he or she is prejudiced by arepresentation referred to in subsection (1) or (3)may apply to theTribunal for aninterdictagainstthecontinuationofthatrepresentation.

Improper use of words “industrial property office”

232. Anypersonwhousesonhisorherplaceofbusinessoronanydocumentissuedbyhimorherorotherwisethewords“industrialpropertyoffice”,“patentoffice”,“designoffice”or“trademarkoffice”oranyotherwordssuggestingthathisorherplaceofbusinessis,orisofficiallyconnectedwith,theOffice,commitsanoffenceandonconvictionisliabletoafinenotexceedingN$5000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsortobothsuchfineandimprisonment.



Deceiving officials

233. Anypersonwho–

(a) forthepurposeofdeceivingtheRegistrarortheTribunaloranystaffmemberorofficialintheadministrationoftheprovisionsofthisAct;or

(b) for thepurposeofprocuringor influencing thedoingoromissionofanythinginrelationtothisActoranymatterthereunder,

makesa falsestatementor representationknowing thesame tobefalse,commitsanoffenceandonconvictionisliabletoafinenotexceedingN$5000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsortobothsuchfineandimprisonment.

PART 5GENERAL

Application of international conventions

234. (1) ForpurposesofthisPart,theterm“internationalconvention”meansanyoneofthefollowinginternationalorregionalinstruments,namely–

(a) AfricanRegionalIntellectualPropertyOrganisation(ARIPO)andtheBanjulProtocolandHarareProtocoladoptedbyARIPO;

(b) LocarnoAgreement on the InternationalClassification for IndustrialDesigns;

(c) Nice Agreement on the International Classification of Goods andServices;

(d) MadridAgreementConcerningtheInternationalRegistrationofMarksandtheMadridProtocoladoptedunderthatAgreement;

(e) ParisConventionfortheProtectionofIndustrialProperty;

(f) PatentCo-operationTreaty;

(g) the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Deposit ofIndustrialDesigns;and

(h) anyinternationalagreementorconventionwhichtheMinisterbynoticein theGazette declares, subject toArticle 63(2)(e) of theNamibianConstitution,tobeaninternationalconventionforthepurposesofthisAct.

(2) InapplyingtheprovisionsofthisAct,theversionofanyinternationalconventionwhich is applicable for the purposes of thisAct is that version of suchconventionandofanyregulationsissuedthereunderwhichisinoperationatthedateofthecommencementofthisActascontemplatedinsection242.



(3) IfanyinternationalconventionoranyregulationsissuedunderaninternationalconventiontowhichNamibiaispartyisamendedtheMinistermay,subjecttoArticle63(2)(e)oftheNamibianConstitutionandtakingintoaccountthe/adviceoftheRegistrar,decideifsuchamendmentistobeapplicableforthepurposesofthisAct,andissuesuchregulationsornoticesasappeartohimorhernecessaryforcarryingoutandforgivingeffecttoanyoftheprovisionsoftheamendment.’-

(4) If Namibia subsequently becomes party to any other internationalor regional instruments, theMinistermay, byway of the amendment of thisAct ortheregulationsornoticesissuedthereunder,whicheverisappropriate,implementtheprovisionsofsuchinstrument.

Hypothecation and attachment

235. (1) A registered industrial property title under thisAct may behypothecatedbyadeedofsecurity.

(2) If a deed of security is lodged with the Registrar in the prescribedmanner,theRegistrarmustendorsetheregistertothateffect.

(3) Such endorsementmust record the name and address of the personinwhose favour the deed of security has been granted and the nature and durationthereof.

(4) Adeedofsecurityinrespectofwhichanendorsementhasbeenmadeinaccordancewith theprovisionsofsubsection (2)has theeffectofapledgeof thetitleconcernedtothepersonorpersonsinwhosefavourthedeedofsecurityhasbeengranted.

(5) Anassignmentortransmissionofaregisteredtitleinrespectofwhichadeedofsecurityhasbeenendorsedintermsofsubsection(2)maynot,withoutthewrittenconsentofthepersoninwhosefavourthedeedofsecurityhasbeengranted,berecordedintheregisterbytheRegistrar.

(6) Wherethedebtorobligationsecuredbyadeedofsecurityinrespectofwhichtheregisterhasbeenendorsedintermsofsubsection(2)hasbeendischarged,anypersonmayapplytotheRegistrarintheprescribedmannerfortheremovalfromtheregisterofanyendorsementinrelationtheretomadeundersubsection(2).

(7) AregisteredindustrialpropertytitleunderthisActmaybeattachedtofoundorconfirmjurisdictionforthepurposesofanyproceedingsbeforetheTribunaloracourtofNamibiaandmaybeattachedandsoldinexecutionpursuanttoanorderoftheTribunaloranysuchcourt.

Regulations

236. (1) TheMinistermaymakeregulations–



(a) prescribing the functions andoperations of theOffice, including theprovision of information and other services to be provided by suchoffice,ascontemplatedinsections2and3;

(b) prescribing theprocedure for consultingandobtainingextracts fromregistersreferredtoinsection7(1)and(2);

(c) prescribingfeesforthegrantofpatentsandutilitymodelcertificates,and the registration of industrial designs, trade marks includingcertificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarks,aswellasfeesforcopiesthereofandanyrelatedmatters;

(d) prescribingtheinformationrequiredtobepublishedintermsofsection9;

(e) relatingto theprocessingandexaminationofpatents,utilitymodels,industrialdesigns,trademarksincludingcertificationtrademarksandcollectivetrademarksaswellastradenames;

(f) designating and appointing an external search and examinationauthorityascontemplatedinsection37;

(g) relatingtothefilingandprosecutionofappealsunderthisAct;

(h) prescribinganytimelimitsreferredtointhisAct;

(i) prescribing provisions concerning the processing of internationalapplicationsunderthisActandrelatedmatters;

(j) prescribingthesurchargepayableinrespectofthelatepaymentofanyrenewalfees;

(k) prescribingtheperiodwithinwhichtoopposetheregistrationofatrademarkand themanner inwhich thismaybedone in termsofsection147;

(l) prescribing the manner in which and the procedure by which therestorationof a patent, designor trademarkor the amendment of apatent,designor trademarkmaybeopposedasprovided for in thisAct;

(m) prescribing the manner of giving notice of, or applying for, thesurrenderortheinvalidationofapatentordesignintermsofsections64or65and120or121respectively;

(n) prescribingtheprocedureforandevidencetobesubmittedtoremoveorinvalidatetheregistrationofatrademarkintermsofsections178and179respectively;

(o) prescribing themanner inwhicharequest is tobemadeand thefeepayable,tocorrectanerrororrectifytheregisterintermsofsections209and210;



(p) prescribing the qualificationwhich is to be recognised as a suitablequalificationtoenableapersontoactasanagentascontemplatedinsection212(2)(b);

(q) prescribingtheexaminationtobepassedtoenableapersontoqualifyasanagentascontemplatedinsection212(2)(c);

(r) prescribing the terms and conditions of persons to be appointed asmembers of the Tribunal in terms of section 215(2), including theremunerationtobepaid,theterminationofsuchappointmentsandthefillingofvacancies;

(s) prescribingtheoathoraffirmationascontemplatedinsection216(1);

(t) prescribingthetermsandconditionsapplicabletotheappointmentofassessorsascontemplatedinsection218;

(u) prescribingthetermsandconditionsapplicabletotheappointmentofmembersoftheRulesBoardascontemplatedinsection227;

(v) regardinganymatterwhichisrequiredorpermittedtobeprescribedintermsofthisAct;and

(w) generally, regarding any matter in respect of which the Ministerconsiders it necessary or expedient to make regulations in order toachievetheobjectofthisAct.

(2) Aregulationmadeundersubsection(1)mayprescribeapenalty,notexceedingafineofN$5000orimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12monthsorbothsuchfineandimprisonment,foranycontraventionorfailuretocomplywiththeprovisionsthereof.

(3) Where any regulation made under this section involves Stateexpenditure that regulation must be made with the concurrence of the Ministerresponsibleforfinance.

Administrative instructions

237. (1) The Registrar may issue administrative instructions relatingto theprocedure for thegrantof industrialproperty rights and the administrationofgrantedrightsaswellasotherfunctionsoftheOffice.

(2) If there is a conflict between the provisions of this Act or of theregulationsmadeunderthisActandtheprovisionsoftheadministrativeinstructions,theprovisionsofthisActandtheregulationsprevail.

Application of Act

238. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 240, thisAct applies toallpatents,utilitymodels,industrialdesignsandtrademarks,includingcollectiveand



certificationtrademarks,registeredordeemedtoberegisteredunderthelawsrepealedbysection239.

(2) Any proceedings done or commenced under the laws repealed bysection239andinforceorstillpendingimmediatelypriortothecomingintoforceofthisActdo,sofarasitisnotinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisAct,continuetobeinforceandcontinuetobedealtwithintermsoftherepealedlawsasifdoneunderthisAct.

(3) Oncesuchproceedinghasbeenconcluded,itsoutcomeandeffectwillbeasprovidedinthisActinrespectofanysimilarproceedings.

Repeals

239. ThePatents,Designs,TradeMarksandCopyrightAct,1916(ActNo.9of1916)andanyamendmentstheretoinsofarastheyareapplicabletoNamibia,thePatents,DesignsandTradeMarksProclamation,1923(ProclamationNo.17of1923),thePatents,TradeMarksandCopyrightProclamation,1940(ProclamationNo.33of1940)andtheTradeMarksinSouthWestAfricaAct,1973(ActNo.48of1973)arerepealed.

Transitional and savings provisions

240. (1) Despitetherepealofthelawsreferredtoinsection239,patentsgrantedanddesignsandtrademarksincludingcollectiveandcertificationtrademarks,registeredundertherepealedlawsremaininforcebutare,subjecttosubsections(2)and(3),deemedtohavebeengrantedandregisteredunderthisAct.

(2) Patents thus granted and industrial designs thus registered remainin force for theunexpiredportionof theperiodofprotectionprovided forunder therelevantrepealedlawssubjecttothepaymentoftheprescribedrenewalfees,andmaynotberevokedorinvalidatedexceptuponanygroundonwhichsuchpatentsordesignregistrationscouldhavebeenrevokedorinvalidatedintermsoftherelevantrepealedlaws.

(3) Trade marks, including collective and certification trade marks,registeredundertherepealedlawrelatingtotrademarks,willbedueforrenewalwithinthesameperiodasundertherepealedlawor10yearsfromtheentryintoforceofthisAct,whicheverperiodfirstexpires.

(4) Onrenewalundersubsection(3),theownerofthetrademarkregistrationmust classify the trade mark in accordance with the International Classification ofGoodsandServicesortheprescribedclassificationofgoodsorservices.

(5) A trademark registrationascontemplated in subsections (3)and (4)maynotbeinvalidatedorremovedexceptuponanygroundonwhichsuchregistrationcouldhavebeen invalidated in termsof the relevant repealed laws,except that suchtrademarkregistrationcanberemovedintermsofsection176or177,andadisclaimerorendorsementinrespectofsuchtrademarkregistrationmayberequiredintermsofsection136.



(6) A trade mark which has been validly registered in terms of theprovisionsofsection53oftherepealedActmust,fromthedateofcommencementofthisAct,bedeemedtobeatrademarkregisteredintermsofthisAct,butmaynotberemovedfromtheregisterintermsoftheprovisionsofsection137(h)orofsection176withinaperiodof10yearsfromthedateofcommencementofthisAct.

Short title and commencement

241. (1) ThisActiscalledtheIndustrialPropertyAct,2012andcomesintooperationonadatedeterminedbytheMinisterbynoticeintheGazette.

(2) Differentdatesmaybedeterminedundersubsection(1)inrespectofdifferentprovisionsofthisAct.

(3) AnyreferenceinanyprovisionofthisActtothecommencementofthisActmustbeconstruedasareferencetothedatedeterminedundersubsection(1w)inrelationtothatparticularprovision.

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Documents

Industrial Property Act · N$49.20 WINDHOEK - 23 March 2012 No. 4907 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA CONTENTS Page GOVERNMENT NOTICE No. 84 Promulgation of Industrial