Resolving patent disputes
The Intellectual Property Office offers a variety of professional services for resolving patent disputes.
Mediation
Meditation allows opposing parties to talk about their patent dispute, and hopefully come to an agreement without the need for litigation.
Opinions
An opinion provides an independent assessment of the main issues in disputes over the infringement or validity of a patent, and may help to settle a patent dispute without the parties becoming involved in full legal proceedings.
Reviews on opinions
If a patent proprietor or exclusive licensee does not agree with an opinion, they can apply for it to be reviewed.
Proceedings
As an alternative to litigation through the Courts, patent disputes may be brought before the Comptroller. The Comptroller can decide on most patent disputes, and on certain matters relating to supplementary protection certificates.
Hearings diary
Scheduled hearings for published applications.