Types of hearing

There are generally 2 types of hearings in the Intellectual Property Office.

Ex parte hearings

This is the name given to hearings held between a single party (either private individuals or firms) and the Office.

Sometimes, while we are looking into your patent or patent application, we might have to object to certain things about it. You will always be given a chance to overcome these objections, but that may not be easy. If that happens, you can ask for "a hearing". This gives you the chance to explain your case in person to one of our senior officers known as a "hearing officer".

Inter partes hearings

These are hearings held between 2 parties who are in dispute over something to do with a patent. In these hearings both sides will put their case to the hearing officer for him to make the decision.

In these kind of disputes, a preliminary inter partes hearing to sort out problems along the way may be necessary, but there will often be a hearing at the end of the process after both sides have provided evidence to support their point of view on the dispute.

There does not have to be a hearing. If both sides agree, the hearing officer can decide the matter using the paper evidence both sides have filed.

Hearings are usually held at our London or Newport Offices, but we can hold them elsewhere if necessary. We also hold them through a video conference link.

We do not charge a fee for any type of hearing.