Venezuela PTO Faces Difficult Future

Venezuela PTO Faces Difficult Future

By Moeller IP Advisors

Dear Clients and Associates,

The Venezuelan Association of Industrial Property Agents (COVAPI) has issued a statement related to the suspension of services of the Autonomous Services of Intellectual Property (SAPI), who since August 28, 2018 has decided to temporarily and unilaterally suspend the provision of their usual services.

Below the text of the statement:

TO OUR ASSOCIATES, COLLEAGUES AND OTHER USERS OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AUTONOMOUS SERVICE (SAPI)

The Venezuelan Industrial Property Agents’ Association (COVAPI) hereby informs its members, colleagues and general public that the Intellectual Property Autonomous Service (SAPI), as of August 28, 2018, has suspended to render services, motivated by certain “internal affairs”, pursuant to various official notifications issued by the entity.

This suspension of services prevents the submittal of any trademark, patent and/or copyright application, notwithstanding the fact that there are three (3) IP Bulletins currently in force which generate several recourses that must be actioned by the owners of these intangibles and who are unable to do so, thereby negating their right of defense and request for protection of their intellectual rights.

COVAPI has already sent a communication to the competent authorities expressing its concern upon the climate of uncertainty and lack of judicial safeguard generated by this situation and has requested SAPI to adopt the necessary measures to reactivate its services in order to guarantee its users due protection and enforcement of their rights and interests.

We remain, Very truly yours,

The Board of Directors