Guidance and notes on the Directions given under section 123(2A)

Patents forms

(a) These notes are not part of the Directions. They are intended to provide background and additional information.

(b) The Interpretation Act 1978 applies to these Directions. Therefore, all the definitions set out in that Act apply to these Directions. Further, amongst other things, generally any words importing the masculine gender include the feminine and words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

(c) Section 123(2A) of the Patents Act allows the comptroller to give directions specifying any forms the use of which is required by the Patents Rules.

(d) The forms have been amended in line with the Patents Rules 2007. The "/77" part of the form numbers has been dropped, Forms 11/77, 53/77 and 58/77 have been abolished and a new Form SP4 has been introduced.

(e) All of the UK patents forms (and information about associated fees) are available on our website.

(f) Any queries about these Directions should be addressed to Patents Legal Section:

Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1633 814083