Hargreaves implementation: Enforcement
An effective IP enforcement regime - and the UK’s is one of the best in the world - is a necessity for any advanced economy.
The Government shares the Review’s perspective that intellectual property rights (IPRs) cannot fulfil a useful function unless they are enforceable.
Progress to date
March 2012
- Introducing a small claims track to
the Patents County Court - Government Response
On 26 March 2012, the Government has published the response
(257Kb) to a call
for evidence which sought comments and any relevant evidence on: the details of how the general small
claims track should work in relation to resolving IP disputes; which types of IP dispute could be resolved
through it and the renaming of the Patents County Court.
January 2012
- Introducing a small claims track to
the Patents County Court
On 15 November 2011, the Government confirmed that following the completion of a positive value for money case, it will be introducing a small claims track to the Patents County Court.
Today, 19 January 2012, we are inviting stakeholders to respond to a call for evidence which seeks comments and any relevant evidence on: the details of how the general small claims track should work in relation to resolving IP disputes; which types of IP dispute could be resolved through it and the renaming of the Patents County Court.
For further information please see the call for evidence(189Kb) and draft impact assessment 
(283Kb).