Harmonization of Terminology

The 1960 Act, on the one hand, and the 1999 Act, on the other hand, refer at times to identical concepts while using different terminology. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity and consistency and throughout the Common Regulations PDF, Common Regulations, the terminology of the 1960 Act has been brought into line with the more modern terminology used in the 1999 Act. For the purpose of the Common Regulations, five terms contained in the 1960 Act have been harmonized with those contained in the 1999 Act:

  • reference to “international application” or “international registration” is deemed to include a reference to “international deposit”, as referred to in the 1960 Act;
  • reference to “applicant” or “holder” is deemed to include a reference to, respectively, “depositor” or “owner” as referred to in the 1960 Act;
  • reference to “Contracting Party” is deemed to include a reference to a State party to the 1960 Act;
  • reference to “Contracting Party whose Office is an Examining Office” is deemed to include a reference to “State having a novelty examination” as defined in Article 2 of the 1960 Act;
  • reference to “individual designation fee” is deemed to include a reference to the fee mentioned in Article 15(1)2(b) of the 1960 Act.

Rule 1(2)