IP protection in the UK

Our overseas clients apply for national patents, trade marks and designs in the United Kingdom for a variety of different reasons. For some, the UK is seen as a key strategic market that warrants additional consideration to mainland Europe. For others, it is a pragmatic and cost-effective alternative to Europe-wide protection. 

Whilst patent, trade mark and registered design law in the UK is harmonised with European law, there are many areas in which both procedure and practice differ. We are experts at tailoring our approach in the UK to match the international IP objectives of our clients. 

Filing and prosecution of UK patent applications 

Procedural efficiency and fairness are two key qualities of the UK national patent application procedure. We have an excellent success rate representing our overseas clients in patent prosecution before the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Our detailed technical knowledge of UK patent procedure and case law means that we are often able to secure more optimal patent claim scope in the UK than the corresponding claims in other countries. 

The patent application process carried out by the UK IPO is also heavily subsidised by the UK Government and so the official fees have consistently remained low. This, coupled with the cooperative approach generally taken by examiners at the UK IPO, means that high-quality national patent protection in the UK can often be secured in an efficient manner. 

UK trade mark and design applications 

Since the United Kingdom decided to leave the EU, it has become necessary to consider national protection of trade marks and designs in the United Kingdom. Any new EU trade mark and design applications filed after the end of the Brexit transition period will not provide protection in the UK. As such, it will become normal to file corresponding UK national trade mark and design applications alongside EU applications.

Where UK national trade mark or design protection is to be obtained, we can act based on exactly the same instructions as would be used in Europe.  

The UK IPO does not perform substantive examination of trade mark and design applications with respect to existing third-party rights. This means that the application process is often predictable. We are also well-versed in handling UK trade mark oppositions and arranging settlements during the opposition procedure, particularly where overlap between trade mark rights is incidental rather than competitive. 

Charges and billing 

We are happy to bill in US Dollars where it is convenient for our clients. We will also be pleased to provide fixed quotes for the filing of applications and for other actions wherever possible.