Reviewed 30 November 2008

UK- IPO attends the ITMA International Conference in London

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) will be attending the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) international conference today at The Royal Garden Hotel, London. This event will run from 2 to 4 April.

The UK-IPO is pleased to announce the launch of their new and improved electronic Trade Marks application form (eTM3) and fast track examination service.

The new fast track trade mark examination service will be launched on 7 April 2008 following a comprehensive period of consultation with stakeholders. This service allows for the examination report to be sent to the applicant or their representative within 10 business days, following the filing date of the application.

The new Trade Marks application form (e TM3) will also be available on line from Monday 7 April. The new form will include new features that customers have asked for, including the facility to select our standard or fast track examination service. This form is tailored to suit the user, from trade mark attorneys to unrepresented applicants. It will be more simplified and user friendly. Staff will be on hand at the conference to provide helpful demonstrations on how to fill in the form and answer any questions.

The UK-IPO will be promoting the National Office stand at the International Trade Mark Association (INTA) event that is taking place in Berlin from 17 May to 21 May 2008. To support this event the office will be launching a competition, the prize being a 32GB Ipod Touch. For details of the competition and the National Offices at INTA Berlin, please visit the new TM offices website External Link.

Notes to editor:

  • The new fast track examination service follows a comprehensive period of consultation with stakeholders. The new service will cost users an additional £300.
  • The Consultation for the Fast track processing of Trade Marks PDF document(285Kb) was launched 21 September and closed on 14 December 2007.
  • The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a worldwide association of member companies and firms that support and advance trademarks and intellectual property as elements of fair and effective global commerce.
  • Andrew Gowers undertook a review of Intellectual Property in 2005 and reported his findings to the Government in December 2006. He identified a number of areas where improvements could be made. The Government committed to taking the recommendations forward. The full review External Link can be viewed on the HM Treasury website.
  • For enquiries about the UK Intellectual Property Office press or media activities please contact the Communications Team on +44(0)1633 814840 or +44(0)1633 814305.

Date of release: 2 April 2008