PATENT OFFICE ROUND-UP

• The address for service requirements have been liberalised. From now on the UK Patent Office will accept trade mark and patent applications from undertakings without an address for service in the UK, as long as they have an address for service within the EU, EEA or Channel Islands. This will ensure compliance with the EC Treaty. More details here

• The Trade Mark Registry has launched its mediation service. A new Mediation Service Team will be available to conduct mediations in the Patent Office’s premises in both London and Newport. Facilities will also be made available to independent mediators. More details ici.

• Meetings are taking place across the country this month concerning the future of the relative grounds examination of trade marks. Their aim is to inform customers of the options for a future system and to answer any questions. Direct your mouse in this direction for more details.