GLOSSARY (W)

WITHDRAWAL

This is the process whereby an applicant voluntarily and actively removes their patent application from the patenting procedure. Strategically, if withdrawal is completed before publication, an applicant can retain the opportunity to re-file a new and improved patent application without the earlier application becoming an official obstacle to grant.

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Negotiations ‘without prejudice’ cannot later be used as evidence in Court.  Thus parties are able to negotiate freely, making compromises and offering concessions in an attempt to settle a dispute, without fear that their position will be compromised if negotiations fail and the matter becomes the subject of proceedings in Court.

WORD MARK

A Word Mark is a Trade Mark, which is exclusively composed of letters, numerals or other standard characters. Accordingly, a Word Mark can be represented in a text format. Word Marks are generally considered to offer broad protection.

WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE (WIPO)

WIPO is the United Nations agency that runs the ‘International’ Patent (PCT) and Madrid (International Trademark Registration) systems. Most Intellectual Property Treaties are administered through WIPO.