Alterations to services – trade marks and designs

Applications for new trade marks and designs

For new applications you should use our online systems. Delays should be expected for any other form of filing.

You are strongly encouraged to make priority applications for trade marks and designs within the 6 month priority window. This is because the interrupted days provision does not apply to these filings (because the provision only relates to time periods prescribed in the Rules). We are considering what other legal mechanisms are available to help customers and will update this page with more information when we have it.

Time periods for reply

For new trade mark examination reports we will allow a four month default period to respond. This will hopefully remove the need for an extension. Interrupted days still applies to deadlines that fall during the period of interruption.

We are unable to allow longer default time periods for design examination reports because they are set by statute. However, interrupted days applies to deadlines that fall during the period of interruption, plus extensions are available after that if required.

Replying to us

Customers responding to trade mark and design examination and hearing reports, and filing evidence should use the reply button in the examination report or email address provided.

Publishing in the trade marks journal

Most accepted trade marks will be published for purposes of opposition. There may be a delay for some because of the need to notify owners of any UK earlier marks (and international marks with UK designation). This is because our post room is currently closed. We are using email addresses if we can locate them, however some earlier rights do not have email addresses recorded against them. These applications cannot proceed to publication until we are able to post again.

Registration and registration certificates

Trade marks for which the opposition period ends during the declared Period of Interruption will experience a delay in becoming registered. This is because the opposition period is effectively extended until the first working day that is not interrupted. The marks will be registered as soon as is practical, following the end of interruption.

There will be a delay in receiving postal versions of trade mark and design registration certificates. This is because our post room is currently closed. If you have an urgent business need we can provide email copies on request.

International designations and applications

We continue to receive and process International registrations designating the UK. However, some delays are possible if we are unable to locate an email address for the holder.

There are some delays in our ability to process International applications (UK office of origin cases). We aim to work through this as quickly as possible given our obligation to notify WIPO of new IAs within 2 months.

Read the original advice at Foreign Travel Advice (UK)