UK Patent Office Updates Design Registration Procedure

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

17 August 2006

The UK Patent Office announced this week that from October 1, it will be changing the way it handles design registration. The changes aim to offer an easier, more cost effective process and will encourage British designers and innovators to protect their new designs.

Changes in the legal protection of designs throughout Europe led the Patent Office to conduct an extensive review of the design registration system, seeking views from customers and the business community.

The main changes to the Registered Designs Act 1949 will be:

• Ending the examination of new applications on grounds of novelty and individual character;
• Allowing multiple design applications;
• Ending the ability to withhold some registered designs from public inspection; and
• Restoration of lapsed designs.

The main changes to the Registered Designs Rules 2006 will be:

• Simplification of the application procedure;
• Provision to support a multiple application system;
• A modernised set of statutory forms;
• Provision for the public inspection of documents; and
• A requirement on the registrar to publish new designs in a journal.

The main changes to the Registered Designs (Fees) Rules 2006 will be:

• A new multiple application fee structure; and
• A new deferment of publication fee.

The UKPO explained that:

"A modern designs system, in harmony with Europe, is crucial to the success of UK businesses both large and small and will meet the urgent demands of today's market place. These changes will be a boost for innovation and competition in the UK."

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