New Trademark Rules to Be Implemented in the UK Next October

LONDON - The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) published a consultation paper "Modernization and Consolidation of the Trademarks Rules" in March 2008 discussing a number of proposals to change the Trademark Rules 2000. The new Trademark Rules are due to be implemented on October 1, 2008.

According to a press release by the Office, this paper also included a draft consolidated Statutory Instrument (Trademark Rules 2008). The consultation period ended on May 27, 2008.

The objectives are to consolidate existing amendments removing any duplication and inconsistencies to make the Rules more accessible; bring the UK fully into line with international best practice and enable our ratification of the Singapore Treaty on Trademark Law and make the tribunal system more flexible, efficient and proportionate to better serve users of the Trademarks system.