The time taken to examine trade mark applications has significantly increased as a result of Covid-19 disruption, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has said.
According to the announcement, the regulator has received an “unprecedented” increase in the number of trade mark filings, meaning it is now taking longer to examine new applications than normal.
In most cases, examination reports are now being issued between 20 and 30 days after filing, it said.
To speed up applications, all submissions should be filed using the regulator’s new online portal. All other forms of filing will incur additional delays.
The update comes after the IPO ended its “period of interruption” last month, which had delayed the deadlines for patents, supplementary protection certificates, trademarks, designs, and applications until Thursday 30 July.
Commenting on the ending of the period of interruption, the regulator said: “The period of interruption which ended on 29 July caused a number of trade mark registrations to be delayed.
“We expect to register all delayed trade marks before the end of August, unless they have been opposed or received third party observations. We will register in chronological order with the oldest applications first. We will email registration certificates.”
Luke Morgan, a Partner with Palmers who specialises in Intellectual Property matters, said: “Although trade mark filings are taking far longer than usual it is important not to skip this important business process.
“At Palmers Solicitors, we provide clear and frank advice on protecting, licensing or transferring IP rights, and the action that should be taken if a dispute occurs relating to your brand.
“Should a dispute arise, we are able to take immediate injunctive or other action on your behalf.”
For help and advice with all aspects of Intellectual Property, please contact us.