The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) has launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce a “fast-track” system for patent and trade mark applications. It is proposed that for an additional fee patent applications could be available within one year of filing and with 10 days of receiving trade mark applications.

“The proposals provide important new tools for businesses - both large and small - in providing fast track routes to the grant of a patent or the registration of a trade mark.”

The consultation paper requests input on how the system should be implemented, including possible fee structures, and can be found here [pdf].

Submissions are due by 14 December 2007.

Sources and further information

UK-IPO news - UK Intellectual Property Consultation launched today

UK-IPO - Fast track processing of Patents & Trade Marks

UK-IPO consultation paper - A Consultation on: Fast Track Processing of Patents & Trade Marks