In order to optimize the procedures and to reduce the examination periods, as of 01.01.2018, AGEPI waives the issue of interlocutory decisions for patent attorneys in the international trademark examination procedure.

Thus, decisions will be sent simultaneously to both the patent attorney and the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (rule 18ter 2) and 3) of the Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks and the Protocol Relating to that Agreement (hereinafter the Common Regulations)).

If the decision is challenged by the patent attorney, and the Appeals Board or the court will take another decision, it will be sent to WIPO using the prescribed form (F7 - Further Decision Affecting the Protection of a Mark ) in accordance with Rule 18ter 4) of the Common Regulations).