Types of hearing

Ex Parte

An "informal” proceeding to resolve any disputes between the applicant or registered proprietor (or their agent or representative) and us. No other party may attend.

Inter Partes

A proceeding to resolve any disputes between two or more sides. We may have to give preliminary views on a range of issues between the parties during the proceedings, which may result in Joint or Interlocutory hearings. The Main Hearing will follow the conclusion of the proceedings. These hearings are open to the public.

Joint Hearing

These are preliminary hearings held where the proceedings have not been "joined” or there is an issue over the actual raising of the proceedings and the defending party has not yet been invited to file their defence.

Interlocutory Hearing

During the proceedings, one or more parties may regard the preliminary view taken by us on a procedural issue as being detrimental to them and is entitled to request this type of hearing. Hearings are usually held at our London Office through the video conference link to Newport where the hearing officer is located. Alternatively, hearings can be held via telephone or the parties can attend the hearings in Newport.

Main Hearing

A formal proceeding with each party given a chance to put their case directly to us, and to listen to and respond to the other parties argument.