The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced via the Lord Chancellor that six new “appointed persons” have been hired for trademarks and designs.
Four individuals will fill the roles, with two of them covering both trademarks and designs.
The IPO announced yesterday, August 12, that the appointed persons for designs are Martin Russell Thomson Howe QC, Edward James Wilson Mellor QC and Philip Michael Johnson.
Thomas George Moseley Mitcheson QC is a new appointed person for trademarks, and is also joined by Johnson and Mellor.
An appointed person is a senior lawyer who is an expert in intellectual property law. When an applicant wishes to appeal against a decision which the IPO has made relating to trademarks or designs, it has the option to appeal to the appointed person.
The IPO says this is cheaper and quicker than going through the courts.