United Kingdom
As a global leader in innovation and creativity, the UK offers comprehensive protection for various forms of intellectual property. The UK's system harmonises domestic laws with international treaties and continues to be a signatory to key international IP agreements, ensuring a seamless interface for both local and international stakeholders.
Trademarks
Patents
Industrial Designs
Local Legislation
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, oversees the administration of IP rights.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
Trade Marks Act 1944
Patents Act 1977
Registered Designs Act 1949
WIPO Treaties and International Protection
The United Kingdom is a member/signatory to the below treaties set out by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
Madrid Protocol
(International Trademarks)
Patent Cooperation Treaty
(International Patents)
Hague Agreement
(International Design)
Nice Classification
12th Edn.
Locarno Classification
14th Edn.
European Patent Convention (European Patents)
Trademarks
UK trademarks have a validity of 10 years from date of publication, which can be renewed indefinitely for successive periods of 10 years each. Parties have two months from publication in the national Trademark Journal to file opposition.
UK trademarks can be searched through the UKIPO or WIPO systems.
Straightforward applications with no oppositions may proceed to registration within three to four months from filing date.
Revocation actions on grounds of non-use may be filed any time after five years following the registration date.
Patents
Patent applications can be filed for product patents and process patents and are valid for 20 years, subject to timely payment of annuities.
Upon application the UKIPO conducts a search and substantive examination (if requested when applying) typically within 6 months of filing. Patents will usually be published 18 months after the filing date. At present, UK patents may take between two to four years until granted by the UKIPO.
First patent annuity will be payable to the UKIPO on the 4th anniversary of the filing date but only payable after grant of the patent.
Design
Industrial Design registrations in the UK have a validity for 5 years, renewal up to a maximum of 25 years, i.e., four renewals.
The UKIPO permits applicants to file up to 50 designs in a single application with supporting illustrations.
Design applications in the UK cannot be opposed at the pre-grant stage.
Design applications in the UK typically take three to four weeks to be published and registered.
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Formal Requirements:
Applicants do not need a power of attorney or notarisation for appointing a representative/agent to act on their behalf before the UKIPO.