India
India became a signatory member to WTO in December 1994. In pursuance to being a signatory member to WTO, the Government has now passed a notification to allow a claim of priority of a corresponding trademark application filed in a foreign country. Such provisions are with immediate effect. However, for purposes of claiming priority, an application in the home country ought to be the first application. A certified copy of the application in the convention country is to be filed.
South Africa
South Africa has become a full participating member of the PCT as of March 1999.
Philippines
Prior actual use in the Philippines is no longer required as the basis for trademark or service mark applications. Intent to use can be the basis of the application. The applicant is, however, required to file a declaration of use, with evidence to that effect, within three years from the date of filing the application; otherwise the application will be rejected or, if the mark has in the meantime been registered, will be removed from the register.
Multiple-class applications are now permitted.
Notarization and legalization of trademark applications are no longer required.
Ethiopia
The newly appointed officials of the Trademarks Registration Service, are now informing us that the republication of abbreviated Cautionary Notices which they used to insist thereupon every two years after registration or renewal is no more required by them. They are leaving such republications to the discretion of the Trademarks owners. And, that the only required publications of Cautionary Notices are those at the time of registrations and renewals.