Malaysia
The industrial design act shall come into force on September 1st 1999 in Malaysia. Filing instructions for industrial designs can be sent to us effective immediately.
San Marino
As of July 1, 1999 it is possible to file patent, trademark and design applications in the Republic of San Marino (an independent city-state on Italy's eastern coast) since Decree No. 74 of June 29, 1999 contains the Regulation which fully implements law No. 64 of June 24, 1997 on the filing, granting and registration of patents, designs and trademarks.
Tonga
Tonga has introduced a new Industrial Property Act which establishes a system of trademarks for goods and services that will no longer be dependent upon existing registration of a mark in the United Kingdom. The new legislation is expected to come into force in late 1999 or early 2000.
Jamaica
New trademark legislation is expected to come into effect before the end of 1999 which will for the first time allow for the registration of service marks, classes 35 to 42 of the Nice International Classification System.
Japan
The Japanese Patent Office has announced that Japan will adhere to the Madrid Protocol on international registration of trademarks as from October 1999, making it possible to designate Japan in an international (Protocol) application from January 2000.