For Taiwan patent or trademark applications approved after examination processes, applicants may request for an electronic certificate or a paper certificate. Electronic certificates issued by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) are provided in PDF format with anti-counterfeiting features and digital signatures. Both electronic and paper certificates also include a QR code that links to the TIPO’s certificate verification system, enabling users to quickly verify the certificate’s validity and access the latest status of the granted patent or registered trademark. To further enhance the transparency of intellectual property information, the TIPO has optimized this system. Beginning in 2026, case-specific QR codes featuring the official logo have been introduced. Upon issuance of the certificate, rights holder will be notified of how to download and use the official QR code.
According to the TIPO, rights holders may display the QR code on goods, packaging containers, labels, commercial documents, and advertisements, as well as across various platforms such as websites, audio-visual content, and social media. Consumers can scan the QR code using mobile devices to access the TIPO’s system for detailed patent or trademark information, including the current status of the rights. The QR codes make intellectual property information readily accessible to consumers, thereby increasing consumer confidence and helping to deter counterfeiting and infringement. The service of TIPO’s QR code is free of charge to both rights holders and consumers.
The QR code is intended as a convenient tool to access intellectual property information and support digitalization efforts; however, it cannot be used alone as a substitute for patent or trademark markings. In Taiwan, the marking of patents or trademarks must still comply with the applicable law:
Patent Act – Article 98
The patent certificate number shall be marked on the patented article. If such marking cannot be affixed to the patented article, the patentee may mark it on labels or packaging, or present it in a distinct way sufficient to draw public attention. Where no patent marking is made, evidence shall be produced when seeking damages to show that the infringer knew or had reason to know that the article was patented.
Trademark Act – Article 35, Paragraph 3
A trademark may, if registered, be displayed with the words “registered trademark” or the internationally used symbol for registration (the letter R enclosed within a circle).
In other words, for products, goods, packaging, and labels covered by patent protection, the patent marking must include the certificate number. The trademark marking must use the symbol “®” or the words “Registered Trademark.”
Although patent and trademark markings are not mandatory and the absence of such markings does not invalidate the rights, marking remains the simplest and most effective way for rights holders to safeguard their interests and deter potential infringement. Specifically, patent marking can assist the rights holder in asserting their rights and claiming damages in the event of infringement. For a registered trademark, however, the rights holder should not simply apply the marking without actual use of said trademark; otherwise, the trademark may be revoked if it is not used for three consecutive years.
In summary, for Taiwan granted patents or registered trademarks, it is advisable for rights holders to appropriately and legally apply the markings, together with the QR code provided by the TIPO. Meanwhile, rights holders should ensure that patent annuities are paid or trademark renewals are made within the statutory periods to maintain the validity of their rights.
