Future of official examination on relative grounds

The consultation paper asks whether the examination of trade applications in the United Kingdom (UK) should continue in the current way. A report of the Quinquennial Review of the Patent Office said that "there was a good case for bringing greater consistency between the UK and Community systems by ceasing to refuse applications on the grounds of conflicting marks, but possibly notifying the applicant and trade mark owner of conflicts". The aim of the consultation exercise is to find a way forward that will best suit the needs of industry and commerce in the UK.

The consultation is directed at Intellectual Property professionals, trade mark owners, applicants or potential applicants and consumers.