Explanatory note

These Rules set out the process and time period for appealing against decisions of the registrar (or comptroller in the case of the UK unregistered design right) to the appointed person. The appointed person is able to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the registrar under the Registered Designs Act 1949 (in respect of UK registered designs) and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (in respect of the UK unregistered design right).

These Rules do not cover appeals against decisions of the registrar under the opinions service for designs (section 28A of the Registered Designs Act 1949 and section 249A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988).

A full impact assessment in respect of the effect that the introduction of appeals to the appointed person will have on the costs of business and the public sector was completed in preparation for the Intellectual Property Bill (now the Intellectual Property Act 2014) and is available from the Intellectual Property Office, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales, NP10 8QQ and is published with the Explanatory Memorandum alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.