UK IPO promises greater consistency and simplicity
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published a response to its second consultation on transformation, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise and simplify its services.
Primarily focusing on trade mark, design, and tribunal services, the government’s second transformation consultation has played a crucial role in shaping proposed changes to help propel the IPO’s services into the digital age.
Among the key outcomes, the government has announced that trade mark and design documents will be made available online, in one place, for the first time. The move will enable individuals and businesses to review important documents, such as examination reports, directly via the new One IPO Search tool.
Other proposed changes include discontinuing the series marks service for new applicants. Series marks have often been a source of confusion, with 39% of applications objected in 2022 for not meeting the requirements. It’s hoped this change will simplify the application process and prevent customers paying for additional applications unnecessarily.
The response also outlines plans to propose, where reasonable, mediation between unrepresented parties. Examiners and Hearing Officers already have the power to propose mediation in any circumstance, but the Tribunal are hopeful that in the case of unrepresented parties, mediation would save time and money, and result in workable settlements.
Adam Williams, CEO of the IPO, said, “We're incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their valuable insights to our transformation consultation.
“Our digital transformation journey is not just about implementing new technology – it's a reimagining of our entire approach to delivering a better service; to do that we need to challenge ourselves to see what could be done differently, even if that means changes to existing legislation.
“This is a really important step on our pathway towards delivering significantly improved, modern digital services that will better meet the needs of our customers - both now and in the future."
Kelly Saliger, CITMA President, said, “Whilst change isn’t always comfortable, it is a necessary step in recognising evolving customer and business needs. CITMA is grateful for the collaborative approach taken in respect of consultation with the UK IPO and look forward to continuing that work when arranging implementation.
“As a professional membership organisation CITMA welcomes change where it offers clarity or provides efficiencies for IP specialists and will continue to offer guidance and input to the UK IPO on the next stage of consultation for the Trade Mark and Designs sections of the One IPO Transformation programme.”
Find out more about the UK IPO’s transformation programme and the full consultation response here.