Important changes to patent registrations

25 August 2006:

In October, the Patent Office will change the way it handles design registration. The changes are set to offer an easier, more cost-effective process to encourage British designers and innovators to protect their new designs.

Changes in the legal protection of designs throughout Europe led to the Patent Office conducting an extensive review of the design registration system seeking views from customers and the business community. A modern designs system, in harmony with Europe, was held to be crucial to the success of UK businesses both large and small in order to meet the urgent demands of today's market place.

The benefits to customers are said to include: simplified application forms; multiple applications made on one form, with a cost saving for any extra designs applied for at one time; access to official files that document proceedings during the design application process; and postponement of public disclosure (on request) for up to 12 months.

These changes will be implemented on 1 October when the Regulatory Reform (Registered Designs) Order 2006, the Registered Designs Rules 2006 and the Registered Designs (Fees) Rules come into force.

For more information and for a guide to new procedures, forms and fees:

Contact:www.patents.gov.uk