IPO reduces registered design fees for electronic applications

From 1 October 2016, applicants wishing to register a design in the UK can do so at a reduced rate due to the UK Intellectual Property Office’s changes to the fees and structure for applying for a registered design.

 

The Intellectual Property Office has introduced an electronic registration service for designs, the associated savings and efficiencies of which have allowed for a review of the fees for the registered design service. Instead of paying the full amount of £60 for a single application with a paper-based form, applicants can now use the new electronic form for a reduced fee of £50.

 

Fees for renewals of registered designs will also be changed from 1 October 2016, with significant reductions in cost. For example, renewal fees for a second period of five years will now cost £70, as opposed to the old fee of £130. The most significant reduction is for fees for the fifth period of five years which were originally £450 but, under the new changes, will now cost £140.

 

These new fees will only apply for renewals due on or after 1 October which are paid on or after this date. If your renewal is due on or before 30 September, or if you pay before this date, the old rate will still apply.

 

Click here for the UK government’s guidance on changes to registered design fees.

 

This briefing is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice relating to your particular circumstances. We can discuss specific issues and facts on an individual basis and answer any questions you receive from others about Brexit. Please note that the law may have changed since the date this was first published in September 2016.