A public consultation to make it faster and easier to register trade marks was launched by the government on Monday.
The consultation, which will be run by Parliamentary under-secretary of state for intellectual property and quality, Baroness Delyth Morgan, will investigate proposals to simplify trade mark legislation.
The Intellectual Property Office put forward the proposals, which want to consolidate the seven existing changes to Trade Mark Rules 2000, to make legislation more accessible and to remove duplication, inconsistency and ‘possible confusion’.
The office also said it wants to bring the UK trade marks system into line with international standards, and enable the ratification of the Singapore Treaty on Trade Mark Law, increasing the speed and efficiency of registration procedures and reducing user costs.
Baroness Morgan said she welcomed the consultation. "I believe that the proposed changes will help ensure that the regulations in this area keep pace with modern business environments.
“We also want to minimise burdens on individuals and companies applying to register trade marks. I look forward to hearing the views of interested parties on the proposals," she said.
Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the UK Intellectual Property Office added:
"The UK Intellectual Property Office is currently one of the world's leading offices for speed, cost and quality.
“The changes we want to introduce make the process or registering trade marks even more streamlined and efficient. I await with interest the results of the consultation."
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
