The Patents Act 2004: Patent Office opinions and other changes to the patents rules

The consultation document is in two parts. The first part deals with the implementation of section 13 of the 2004 Act, which allows the Patent Office to issue opinions in relation to patent validity and infringement. The second part deals with the implementation of various other provisions of the 2004 Act - namely, those which relate to renewal fee payment periods, co-ownership, security for costs, keeping inventor details confidential and revocation by the patent holder.

The consultation is directed to 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.