Use of intellectual property registration fees

An effective and accessible intellectual property system requires sufficiently-funded intellectual property offices which can provide good quality, efficient and cost-effective services that have a practical value for the user. The fees charged should correspond to the quality of the service rendered.

In several countries, a substantial portion of the fees collected by the local intellectual property office is diverted or retained by governmental authorities for purposes which have no relation to the operation of the office. This practice, which exists in all regions, raises several concerns, discussed in this paper.