Proposal to contract out some patent searches and examinations

This consultation paper provides information on proposals to contract out a number of patent searches to the Danish Patent and Trademark Office; and a smaller number of patent searches and examinations, including combined search and examination, to the Netherlands Intellectual Property Office. The firm intention is to improve the overall speed of patent search and examination provided by this office.

The consultation is directed at anyone interested in the operation of the patent system in the United Kingdom, but especially from those who have been, are, or expect to be users of the system.