Hacon confirmed as IPEC judge
Barrister Richard Hacon has been appointed as specialist circuit judge of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC).
Hacon, who was revealed by WIPR as the new judge last month, replaces Colin Birss, who reigned when the IPEC was called the Patents County Court.
He will now be known as His Honour Judge Hacon, and will start his new role on December 3.
Called to the bar in 1979, Hacon works at 11 South Square chambers in London. He handles all areas of IP law, but his science background (microbiology) means he often covers highly technical patent cases.
Roger Burt, president of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys, welcomed the appointment.
“We are pleased to see Richard Hacon taking on this important role and we wish him every success.”
The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys also backed Hacon, with president Catherine Wolfe describing him as a “key” appointment.
“There have been a number of improvements to what used to be called the Patents County Court in recent months, including its renaming as the IP Enterprise Court in early October. However, there has been no permanent presiding judge since April, when Colin Birss left to become a High Court Judge, and so this appointment is greatly welcomed.”
She added: “The court he is taking over is already well respected as a cost-effective and fast jurisdiction for cases involving trademarks and registered designs, as well as patents. His background and experience will stand him in good stead in building on that reputation.”
Despite a re-branding, the IPEC continues to target small and medium-sized companies, often dealing with less complex IP disputes. It handles claims worth up to £500,000 ($807,000) and caps fines for losers at £50,000 (£80,700).
