Sometimes, while we are looking into your patent application or granted patent, we might have to object to certain things about it. You will always be given a chance to overcome these objections, but that may not always be easy. If that happens, you can ask for "a hearing".
A hearing is a way of taking things forward. It gives you the chance to explain your case in person to one of our senior officers known as a "hearing officer". The hearing officer is trained to be independent and to look at all sides of the arguments. They will then make the final decision in the Office about your case. If you don’t agree with this, you can appeal the decision and take it further.
You may also find yourself in dispute with someone else over a patent or patent application. If this happens, we might be able to help settle the dispute, but obviously you will have to tell us about it.
During this process, you may not always agree with what we say. We might be able to overcome these differences, but if not, again, you are entitled to ask for a hearing. As there is another side involved this time, they also have to be involved in the hearing. This will give you both the chance to present your cases to the hearing officer, who will listen to both sides of the argument and give a written decision. If one side does not agree with the decision, they can appeal if they wish.