Changes in view for the UKIPO

Some changes are to be expected for the UKIPO. 

The results of the IPO’s transformation consultation have been released earlier today. While the timing of these changes is still to be confirmed, the two main outcomes for trade mark practitioners are as follows:

• Trade mark and designs documents will be available online. A new search tool should be launched, and all documents will be available online for public inspection for the first time, including examination reports. Changes to the rules on confidentiality requests are also expected, allowing anyone to request, at any time, that their information is kept confidential.
• It is currently possible to apply for up to six trade marks as a series at a reduced cost. The trade marks in the series must be very similar - for example the same logo in different colours. This will be discontinued, but existing series marks will remain valid and will not be impacted by this change.

It now remains to be seen when these changes will be implemented.

Find out more here.