Proposed changes to the Patent Office's business hours for receiving and according dates to applications, forms and other documentation

The consultation sets out proposals for removing unnecessary and outmoded restrictions on when the Patent Office can receive and accord dates to documents, including applications and forms. The aim is to bring the current provisions in legislation up-to-date with a world in which applicants are increasingly using electronic communications and private mail and courier services instead of normal postal delivery (Royal Mail) for filing documents.

The consultation is directed to anyone with an interest in filing applications, forms and documents with the Patent Office.