Wang said on December 31 that TIPO will actively promote revisions to the Patent Act that will include sections dealing with animal and plant patentability, and reforms to the design patent system.

The Office plans to propose changes to update the Trademark Act to bring the country in line with the Singapore Treaty, as well as reviewing the Trademark Regulations and examination standards and practices.

The Copyright Act will also be amended, along with the Copyright Collective Management Regulations. There is also a new bill planned to deal with internet service providers.

TIPO has promised to hold public hearings to consult the public on the proposed changes.

Wang has also pledged to raise patent examination quality by focusing on implementing the independent claim examination system, establishing standards for determining inventive step and strengthening the management and training of external examiners. Patent examination fees will be adjusted "to render the fees system more reasonable".

The Office also intends to revise the reexamination system under the Patent Act and the Trademark Act to simplify administrative remedies and address problem of delays in litigation.

Taiwan’s Patent Attorney Act came into force on January 11 this year. The Act requires aspiring patent attorneys to pass a national examination and complete pre-employment training. It also established a mandatory patent attorney union.

Taiwan’s new IP Court is scheduled to open on July 1 this year. It will deal with civil, criminal and administrative cases.