United Kingdom (GB)

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign country in north-western Europe, off the north-­western coast of the European mainland. The United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the north-­eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands within the British Isles. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland. Otherwise, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to the east, the English Channel to the south and the Celtic Sea to the south-west, giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world. The Irish Sea separates Great Britain and Ireland. The total area of the United Kingdom is 93,628 square miles (242,500 km2).

Intellectual property protection in United Kingdom

Intellectual property office Intellectual Property Office
Website http://www.ipo.gov.uk
Contact details Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales NP10 8QQ
(44) 1633 814000

Patent

Time limit applicable for entry into the PCT national phase 31 months from the priority date
Time limit applicable for filing Conventional application 12 months from the priority date
Language English
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a Chartered Patent Attorney/ UK Patent Attorney
Power of Attorney Not required

Trademark

Filing requirements
  • Applicant(s) details
  • Representation of the mark
  • List of good(s) and/or service(s)
Multiple-class applications Yes
Power of Attorney Not required
Opposition period Within two months from publication of the trademark application
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a UK Trademark Attorney

Industrial Design

Filing requirements
  • Applicant's name and address
  • Representation of the design
Multiple design applications Yes
Power of Attorney Not required
Examination Substantive examination
Representation Foreign applicants must be represented by a UK Design Attorney

Source: WIPO and Wikipedia