Guidance

Expansion of the Patent Opinions Service: business guidance

An overview of the changes to the Patent Opinions Service taking place on 1 October 2014.

Documents

Expansion of the Patent Opinions Service: business guidance

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Details

Given the success of the Patent Opinions Service since its introduction in 2005, the service will be expanding on 1 October 2014 to provide opinions on a much wider range of patent disputes. It will also provide opinions on Supplementary Protection Certificates.

In addition, the Intellectual Property Office will be able to start the process of revoking a patent if an opinion indicates the patent is not new and inventive.

This guidance is intended to help explain the changes to patent owners, those interested in the patents of others, and representatives.

Published 6 August 2014