The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) is introducing a new set of Trade Marks, Patents, and Designs Forms, effective from May 16, 2025. These updated forms include significant enhancements to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and streamline intellectual property transactions.

A key change is the addition of a declaration for agents to confirm their local physical presence, as well as new data fields for recording the type and place of incorporation of IP owners, grantees, licensees, mortgagees, and others in Forms T8, T10, T11, P9, P10, P19, D5, and D11. The "designated patent office" field will be removed from Forms P4 and P5.

Other revisions include an updated IPD logo, improved drop-down lists for country selection, and textual amendments. The new forms will be officially specified in the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Journal in May 2025 under relevant ordinances and will replace current forms starting May 16. To ease the transition, a period has been established during which both old and new forms can be used.

Most forms have a transitional period until August 16, 2025, while Forms T10, T11, P19, and D5 can be used until November 16. Applicants and agents are encouraged to adopt the new forms early to avoid supplementary information requests later. After these dates, only the updated forms will be accepted.

E-filers should note that pending forms will automatically convert to drafts of the new forms on May 16. Any unsubmitted forms marked "Ready for Submission/Payment" will revert to "Draft" status to accommodate required updates. Registered e-filers are advised to finalize submissions before this date to prevent disruptions.

One-time filers must submit draft web-forms saved in XML format before May 16, as these drafts will become incompatible with the system thereafter.

The XSD Schemata for the B2B E-Filing service is being revised in line with the launch of updated forms such as T8, T10, T11, P4, P5, P9, P10, and D11. The revised schemata are now available for download. These updates represent a significant step forward in modernizing IP filing processes and ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

Source: IP Department, Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region