Draft Industrial Property Law raising objections from experts

Poland’s proposed new Industrial Property Law, intended to accelerate proceedings before the Patent Office, has drawn strong criticism from legal and patent experts. The bill would shorten some procedural deadlines, change utility model protection from substantive examination to a registration-based system, and broaden representation in patent matters beyond patent attorneys. Critics argue that the changes could create legislative confusion, weaken the quality of intellectual property protection, and limit procedural rights.

The Polish Chamber of Patent Attorneys also says lengthy proceedings are caused largely by staffing shortages rather than existing regulations. Patent applications can currently take up to four years. Experts are calling for deeper consultations before the government considers the bill later this year.

(pb.pl)