In a world of artificial intelligence, digitization, and digital transformation, revamping and modernizing outdated mechanical systems is not merely a formality but a necessity. Sri Lanka’s recent launch of an online search platform for IP records stands as clear testament to this reality.
The National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), with support from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has made public the long-awaited centralized online search platform for IP records. This move significantly strengthens the country’s intellectual property infrastructure. The platform streamlines access to the databases for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs, offering free searches to all users at nipo.lk.wipo.net. NIPO has also announced that online filing facilities are in the pipeline and will be accessible soon.
With the national registry now more transparent and accessible, clearance searches and risk assessments can be conducted efficiently. Portfolio management aligns better with plans for regional expansion, and with comprehensive database searches just a click away, competitors must adopt a more proactive trademark strategy.