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Liberalising the Intellectual Property Office's business hours for the filing of new applications for the protection of IP rights

Reference: 2011-001

Launch date: 27 January 2011
Closing date: 10 March 2011

The consultation sets out proposals to change the business hours for receiving and awarding filing dates for new design, patent and trade mark applications which do not claim priority from an earlier application.

The aim is to improve the services we offer by removing unnecessary restrictions on when we can accord filing dates. This reflects a world in which applicants are increasingly using electronic communications and private mail and courier services for the delivery of new applications.

The consultation is aimed at anyone who has an interest in filing applications, forms and documents with the Intellectual Property Office.