Serbian IPO Adopts Guidelines for Incomplete Applications

On June 25, 2009, the Serbian Intellectual Property Office adopted guidelines for handling incomplete applications.

If submitted applications are incomplete in a way that prevents further processing, the IPO will set a deadline for correction, and will inform the applicant. The IPO will also make an appropriate note in the application file. If the applicant fails to make correction within the set deadline, the IPO will reject the application.

Should the applicant insist that the clerk’s office accepts the application even though the application was incomplete, the clerk’s office is obligated to receive the application, stamp it as received, and pass the application for further processing.

If an application is incomplete because the administrative fees were not paid, the IPO will only recognize the following documents as a proof that administrative fees have been paid:

1. If the payment is made in cash, the applicant should submit either the original payment receipt paid through the post office or a bank, or the carbon copy of the invoice if it is legible (i.e. if the information about the beneficiary, purpose of payment, number of file, date and stamp of the post office or bank is readable). Certified copies of the invoice are also acceptable.

2. If the fee is paid by money order, the applicant should submit a certified bank or post office statement confirming the transaction.

3. If the fee is paid by electronic transfer, the applicant needs to submit a certified bank or post office statement confirming the payment. Alternatively, the applicant can submit a certified copy of the SWIFT message MT 103, together with the file number and purpose of payment.

In case the applicant pays fees for several applications at once, the invoice should contain a list of all application numbers, fee amounts and the purpose of payment. As a proof of payment, the applicant should also submit a bank or post office statement, or a certified copy of the SWIFT message.

The guidelines entered into force on June 26, 2009.

For more information, please contact Jovana Miocinovic in our Balkan Regional Office.