When the UK left the EU, the Intellectual Property Office created UK comparable registrations derived from EU trade marks and designs. Updates to the UKIPO address for service policy relating to these comparable rights are coming into force from 1 January 2024, details of which can be found below.
Failure to have a correctly appointed UK address for service could result in the loss of rights, as in these circumstances the UKIPO will write to the applicant asking for a UK address for service to be appointed. If the applicant fails to respond then this will be treated as not defending the action.
We strongly recommend that rights holders are proactive and take action to appoint a UK address for service.
When do you need a UK Address for Service (situation from 1 January 2024)
You are required to have a UK (or Gibraltar or Channel Islands) address for service in the following circumstances:
- For any new UK filings (no change)
- If an existing UK trade mark or design is involved in any invalidation, rectification, or revocation proceedings (no change)
- If a comparable trade mark or re-registered design is involved in invalidation, rectification, or revocation proceedings which are issued on or after 1 January 2024 (new from January 2024)
- For any voluntary change of address for service relating to a comparable trade mark or re-registered design(new from January 2024)
(Note that comparable trade marks or re-registered designs based on International Registrations already require a UK address for service in these circumstances)
At Williams Powell, we make it easy for you to appoint us as address for service for your UK Intellectual Property. All we need is a list of your IP – we make no charge for adding your IP to our records, or for recording ourselves as representatives.
Please get in touch with us today to find out more about how we at Williams Powell can help you.