Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Design Right (Proceedings Before Comptroller Rules) 1989 (SI 1989/1130, as amended), the Patents Rules 1995 (SI 1995/2093, as amended), the Registered Designs Rules 1995 (SI 1995/2192, as amended) and the Trade Marks Rules 2000 (SI 2000/136, as amended).

The requirements in each of those Rules to provide an address for service are liberalised. The amendments made by these Rules will allow applicants for registered rights (patents, trade marks and registered designs) to provide an address for service in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, another EEA State or the Channel Islands. Although, during any proceedings before the comptroller or registrar an address for service in the United Kingdom will be required unless the comptroller or registrar otherwise directs.

These Rules also liberalise the provisions in the Patents Rules 1995, the Registered Designs Rules 1995 and the Trade Marks Rules 2000 relating to any delays caused by “interrupted days” (which are days where there are disruptions at the Patent Office or in the postal system).

These Rules also amend provisions in the Registered Designs Rules 1995 relating to the registration of interests and insert a provision into the Trade Marks Rules 2000 which facilitates electronic communications by the registrar.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and is available from the Patent Office, Intellectual Property and Innovation Directorate, Concept House, Newport NP10 8QQ.