Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules revoke and replace the Registered Designs (Fees) Rules 1995 (S.I. 1995/2165). These Rules refer to fewer Registered Designs Forms than previously because their number is reduced by the Registered Designs Rules 1995 (S.I. 1995/2912) (rule 4 and Schedule 1). Fees in respect of several matters have been further aligned with fees prescribed for corresponding matters under the Patents (Fees) Rules 1995 (S.I. 1995/2164). Any increases or changes take effect on 4 December 1995.

The changes in the fees are as follows:

(a)

provision is made for applying on Form 9A to extend the period of protection into a fourth and fifth 5-year period, the fees being £310 and £450 respectively;

(b)

the additional fee payable in respect of extra time for making application to extend the period of protection is increased from £18 to £24 for each extra month up to a maximum of 6 months;

(c)

the fee, when applying on Form 19A for settlement of the terms of a licence of right, is £50.

It is estimated that the total amount of fees collected per annum under these Rules will be about 0.5% greater than the amount collected per annum under the Registered Designs (Fees) Rules 1992 (S.I. 1992/617) and under the Registered Designs (Fees) Rules 1995 (S.I. 1995/2165).