Do I need a hearing?

The examiner dealing with a trade mark application may have raised objections to it. If we have been unable to resolve these, an ex parte  hearing may be the only way to take things forward.

In disputes involving two or more sides, we may have to give preliminary views on a range of issues between the parties during the proceedings. If one or more of the parties thinks they are being disadvantaged or disagree with the preliminary view they have the right to request a hearing to resolve the issue, this will be either a joint or interlocutory hearing.

At the end of legal proceedings before us, the parties have the right to request a hearing at which they have the opportunity to put their case to the Hearing Officer prior to the final decision. This is a main hearing.

Can the dispute be decided without a hearing?

Yes, your dispute may be decided on the papers you have filed, but only in inter partes disputes.

If the dispute involves two or more sides and both sides agree, we can decide either preliminary matters or the main proceedings by reference to the papers filed by the parties.