Statement of grounds
When you file proceedings with us you must file a statement of grounds. This statement is very important to your case. When writing a statement of grounds you must include certain things. You must tell us:
- what the dispute is about and the grounds on which you are relying
- the facts of your case which usually you will need to support with evidence at a later date
- what you want us to do
- it would also be useful to give us an idea of whether you want costs awarded to you.
If your statement of grounds does not contain enough information, we may ask you to clarify it, so that we can continue with the proceedings.
Statement of truth
You must confirm the accuracy and truth of all the information contained in the statement by adding the following declaration of truth at the end:
'I confirm that the information contained in this statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief’
If the statement of grounds is found to be incorrect or untrue and you do not have a good explanation why, we may consider this when making the final decision or an award of costs.
Sign and date the statement of grounds, and send 2 copies to us at:
Intellectual Property OfficeConcept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom
What happens next?
Before we consider your case, we will send a copy of your statement of grounds to anyone we believe may have an interest in the case, to allow them to answer with a counter statement.