A new trade marks ordinance which aims to create a better business environment for Hong Kong and provide more protection for trade marks will become effective tomorrow.

The new law, which will replace the old ordinance enacted in 1950s, will increase protection for trade marks, simplify the registration procedure and substantially reduce registration costs. It also allows sound and smell marks to be registered.

Meanwhile, an online trade marks search facility was introduced by the Intellectual Property Department on January 30, providing faster access and free service to the public.

The department expects that online filing of applications for trade marks will be available at the end of this year.

The online search of patents and registered designs database and the related e-filing will also come on stream by year's end.

To allow more time for submitting applications under the new law on the commencement date, the Trade Mark Registry will extend its business hours tomorrow from 7am to midnight.

Detailed information on the new trade mark law is available at the department's website.