The UKIPO has today published a reply to the recent consultation on representation for UK patents, trade marks and designs after Brexit. Responding to the concerns raised about the imbalance that will be brought about if EEA based practitioners are able to practice before the UKIPO, while UK practitioners are excluded from representation before the EUIPO, the announcement confirms that, following Brexit, it will be necessary for all new applications including those for patents, trade mark and designs, and trade mark oppositions, to have a UK address for service. Pending applications and the renewal of granted rights would appear to be unaffected. It is intending for this requirement to be in place for 1 January 2021. More details may be found here.

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