UKIPO issues welcome boost for UK IP sector

24-12-2020

Kate O'Rourke

UKIPO issues welcome boost for UK IP sector

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CITMA is celebrating a major victory on Brexit in the wake of the UKIPO’s latest “address for service” announcement. Kate O’Rourke of Mewburn Ellis reports.

On November 23, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) published new guidance on the requirements for an address for service for patents, trademarks and designs from the end of the Brexit transition period (December 31, 2020). 

An address for service is the address that applicants and practitioners use to correspond with the UKIPO and also for the purpose of proceedings under IP legislation.

Up to 11 pm on December 31 2020, an address in the UK, the Channel Islands, or in any of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) is acceptable. Following a campaign by the UK Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA), new legislation will come into effect on January 1, 2021 which means that only representatives with an address in the UK (which includes the Isle of Man for this purpose), Gibraltar, or the Channel Islands (“a local address”) will be entitled to act on behalf of applicants at the UKIPO. 


UKIPO, CITMA, Brexit, EEA, Withdrawal Agreement, Mewburn Ellis

WIPR