Annual Technical Report on Trademark Information Activities in 2024 submitted by United Kingdom
I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADEMARK INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of trademark information activities and expected time frames for their realization
The office has recruited 12 trade mark examiners to keep up with customer demand and to maintain service standards.
CQS - We have been publishing our quality performance, on a quarterly basis since July 2024 via our Customer Service Standards page on the IPO website IPO customer service standards - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We intend to continue to develop this metric and consider how we can incorporate the customer view into our assessment process.
AFS - We have significantly increased scrutiny of addresses provided to us in trade mark applications by carrying out hundreds of checks. We now have a team in place within the trade mark examining area to deal with address for service issues.
Work continues in preparation for Transformation in Trade Marks.
New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies and plans mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks
In 2024/25, we consulted on our proposals for the second phase of our transformation programme looking to start in the Autumn of 2025. We will undertake the initial exploratory phases relating to our processes for trade marks before we start designing and building them. We expect to pilot these services in late 2027.
Our new research IP service launched in January 2025 making our data more accessible than ever before with new ways to search, view and analyse it. Users will be able to take more informed decisions regarding their IP, so that it is easier to innovate in the UK.
Data relating to trade marks will be made available through this service in the next phase of our transformation programme.
Main areas of trademark information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year
Updated landing pages following the Launch of Research IP.
Statistics: changes in terms of application filings and registrations with respect to previous year; trends or areas experiencing rapid changes
Domestic Filings- Financial Year
2020/21 140959 (increase of 56.8%)
2021/22 152273 (increase of 8.0%)
2022/23 109564 (decrease of 28.0%)
2023/24 135710 (increase of 23.9%)
2024/25 147588 (Increase of 8.8%)
International Registrations- Financial Year
2020/21 20313 (increase of 19.3%)
2021/22 34996 (increase of 72.3%)
2022/23 31734 (decrease of 9.32%)
2023/24 29783 (decrease of 6.15%)
2024/25 30189 (Increase of 1.1%)
International Applications -Financial Year
2020/21 3551 (increase of 17.5%)
2021/22 4418 (increase of 24.4%)
2022/23 4043 (decrease of 8.49%)
2023/24 3836 (decrease of 5.12%)
2024/25 3960 (Increase of 3.2%)
Other matters and useful links (URLs): annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.
Statistics related to trade marks at the Intellectual Property Office can be accessed through the annual reports, monthly reviews and facts and figures at Patents, trade marks, and designs: monthly statistics - GOV.UK
II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) - URLs
Domestic filings - information regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing can be found at: Register a trade mark : Overview - GOV.UK
International filings – information regarding filing an International Application (can only file via paper) can be found at: Protecting your trade mark abroad - GOV.UK
Availability of the application dossier in electronic form
Trade marks can be searched by application number, owner, keyword, phrase or image at: Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK
Use of electronic classification systems and pre-defined terms of the classification applied
Information regarding classifying can be found at: How to classify trade marks - GOV.UK
Matters concerning processing of different types of non-traditional marks (e.g., three-dimensional, motion, hologram, colour mark, etc.)
Information regarding types of marks which can be registered can be found at: Register a trade mark : Overview - GOV.UK
Guidance on different types of non-traditional marks can also be found at: Manual of trade marks practice - The examination guide - Guidance - GOV.UK
Other activities
The IPO is an active participant in WIPO’s Standing Committee on the Law of Trade Marks, Industrial Designs & Geographical Indications and meets with other participating offices at WIPO during Madrid Working Group.
III. SOURCES OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE
Main types of publications in the field of trademark information, outline of the content and medium (on paper, on CDs, online - URLs)
Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade marks that include the UK: This is only available in digital form.: Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK
Trade Marks Act 1994 makes up part of the trade mark legislation in the UK: Trade Marks Act 1994 - GOV.UK
Trade Mark Rules: Trade Marks Rules - GOV.UK
Manual of Trade Mark Practice sets out guidance on the Intellectual Property Office work practices: Manual of trade marks practice - GOV.UK
Practice Amendment Notices (PAN) announces changes to our practice, such as how we interpret a provision of the law, or how we handle applications:
Practice Amendment Notices (PAN) - GOV.UK
Official Gazettes: main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online, URL), etc.
The Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade Marks that include the UK: This is only available in digital form.
Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK
Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external documentation and databases.
Examiners use the Manual of Trade Marks Practice, the Trade Marks Act 1994, Trade Mark Rules, case law and research trade mark applications on the Internet. They also liaise with Patent Examiners if the trade mark is of a technical nature. International examiners utilise the Madrid Protocol and the regulations via the WIPO website. In addition, examiners utilise DARTS IP, which is a comprehensive database of caselaw and other IP related information. Examiners use the Oxford English Dictionary for definitions and include screenshots of definitions in reports.
Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users; conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)
Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment. In addition, we also have a front office in London where customers can file any correspondence for the attention of the Office.
Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)
The legal status is contained on the UK Register and may be searched by application number, owner, key phrase, or word: Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK
IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO TRADEMARK INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements
We use Acsepto version 11, which is a stand-alone search system used by examiners to search for earlier Trade Marks.
Real Time Sampling Dashboard – this collates the results from our quality checks and supports in highlighting any trends relating to quality.
Knowledge Information Board (KIB) – we have recently reviewed all the information we held internally on our SharePoint and moved it to a KIB, which is a more user-friendly system and allows our staff to access all the information they need to support trade mark related activities.
Hardware used to support business processes of the Office
Staff access a Windows 11 desktop via Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface laptop devices, which are connected to two 24 inch widescreen monitors via a dock or one 32 inch monitor.
Internal databases: coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources
UKTM – database used to process domestic applications.
MPS – database used to process International Applications and Registrations.
KIB – knowledge information base used to support trade mark related activities
SharePoint – information to support trade mark related activities
Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file: file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file
New applications and amendments to existing UK Trade Marks are published to our search repository every 10 minutes and are available using our Trade Mark Number and/or Owner electronic search services. New or amended images can take up to 24 hours to appear as they are processed overnight on a daily basis.
The keyword, phrase or image search service utilises information stored in our Acsepto search tool which is updated on a daily basis.
Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)
Management information is produced from UKTM and MPS.
Other matters
We are in the early stages of Transformation, this will include a huge change to our ICT and will improve things for the future. We are excited about the changes ahead, but don’t have any specific details to share at this time.
V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Office's library (if deals with trademark information): equipment, collection management, network of libraries in the country, cooperation with foreign libraries
The UK Patent Library (PatLib) network is part of the 340-strong European Network of Patent Information Centres, managed by the European Patent Office.
The UK PATLIB Network’s main aims are: -
- To enable easy access to IP information locally;
- To provide an effective, efficient IP information service to the general public and businesses.
The UK IPO supports the UK Patlib Network who provide local access to guidance and support through a network of 25 centres based within city centre libraries. The centres have trained, experienced staff to provide practical support to businesses, such as database searching.
The majority of the UK PatLibs are part of the national network of Business & IP Centres (BIPC), which was started by the British Library in 2012 in partnership with the IPO. The network now consists of 25 established centres, located across England and Scotland. The UK IPO works with the British Library to ensure all centres meet the PatLib requirements to deliver specialised IP services.
Training to deliver these services has been supplied by the IPO through the IP Master Class programme as well as ongoing individual training sessions as needed.
Publications related to different business procedures and trademark information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.
Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment. In addition, we also have a front office in London where customers can file any correspondence for the attention of the Office.
Information regarding trade mark procedures can be found via our website www.ipo.gov.uk.
Cooperation with universities, technology, and innovation support centres, etc.
The IPO works with universities, researchers and entrepreneurs to improve understanding how to identify, manage, protect, and use IP to support careers, research, business, commercialisation, and collaboration. This includes the:
- IP Tutor and IP Tutor Plus resources targeting key subject disciplines, with independent and trainer-led resources for students, academics, and educators.
- IP for Research education programme to help researchers understand how IP fits into their research and the commercialisation process.
We are currently working with the sector to update our Intellectual Asset Management guidance to help university leaders and researchers make informed decisions about their IP. This supports UK government’s goal of ensuring that research excellence translates into effective industrial and commercial application.
The IPO’s resources are comprehensive and available in formats that can be tailored to specific needs. All our tools and guidance to support innovation and knowledge exchange are freely available at Welcome to IPO’s online support tools. These have been designed to help you: | Intellectual Property Office
Education and training: training courses, e-learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.
As the innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow, it is vital that students learn how to identify, use, and protect their IP as well as respect others' IP. We have a comprehensive strategy to build the IP critical skills needed to support careers, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. We believe it is important to educate people about IP across all levels and stages of education. We want students to start their careers equipped with an understanding of IP and for educators to have the skills to pass on that knowledge.
We have developed an IP Education Framework that sets out the IP knowledge needed across all levels and stages of education, from primary schools to higher education. To support use of the Framework, we produce and promote accessible, engaging resources for teachers to incorporate IP in core syllabus subjects. These free, curriculum-led lesson plans and resources have been co-created with educators and partners such as UK Music, Aardman Animations and the Industry Trust, to ensure they align with the school curriculum. Our education resources are available on our IP-Support Website at Welcome to IPO’s online support tools. These have been designed to help you: | Intellectual Property Office and resources specifically for schools can also be found at www.crackingideas.com. This site has global reach with around 31,000 site visits each year.
We also work with international partners to promote the importance of IP education and exchange information on our respective approaches. We recently proposed a project to WIPO members on enhancing IP education capacities of artistic and creative academic institutions to equip youth with IP skills
Our business outreach activities continue to help businesses make informed decisions how to use, manage, and enforce their IP to its full potential. This is done in a range of ways including attending in person and virtual events, delivering training and working with partner organisations to integrate IP support into business support programmes. We also provide IP Masterclass training for businesses and business advisors. Courses are offered online, in person at the IPO’s main office and in regional locations. The Trade Mark section of the course focuses on the application process and explains how having a distinctive brand registered as a trade mark can benefit businesses.
We have also developed a range of digital tools for businesses. By adopting a ‘digital first’ approach we can increase the scope and reach of our tools to a diverse and global audience. IP: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/intellectual-property-for-business
Trade Mark examination offers support for the IPREG accredited courses for a trade mark qualification.
Other activities
We have a range of digital content which we use to promote and explain the different types of Intellectual property. IP Basics - GOV.UK (youtube.com) We use our social media channels to promote this content.
VI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION
International exchange of trademark information in machine-readable form (e.g., Official Gazettes)
The Trade Marks Journal is published every week on a Friday and contains accepted applications for UK Trade Marks and International Trade marks that include the UK: Check the trade marks journal - GOV.UK
Trade marks can be searched by application number, owner, key phrase, word or image Search by flag, emblem or hallmark using the Article 6ter Express database at: Search for a trade mark - GOV.UK
Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to trademark information
Representatives from Trade Marks went to the INTA conference in San Diego, including speaking at panels and discussions with INTA committees.
Representatives for the UK IPO [and CITMA] attended the Madrid Working Group 2024.
A representative of the IPO attended and presented at WIPO’s Seminar on the Practical Aspects of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks for Advanced Users in November 2024 to provide information regarding UK practice.
Assistance to developing countries
The Joint Masters in IP Programme at the National Law University, New Delhi, India requested the support of UK IPO in the delivery of lectures related to the UK trade mark system to support the IPO’s bilateral engagement with IPO India.
Other activities
The IPO provide reports to World Trade Organisation on TRIPS Agreement, TRIPS responses details work done with other offices and relate to all areas of IP, reporting on activities around technology transfer and technical cooperation.
VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING TRADEMARK INFORMATION
WIPO Standard ST.3: Two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and organizations
Implemented
WIPO Standard ST.13: Numbering of applications for IPRs
No plan to implement.
WIPO Standard ST.60: Bibliographic data relating to marks
No plan to implement
We would expect this to be reviewed as part of Transformation. No changes are currently being made to this standard.
WIPO Standard ST.61: The exchange of trademark legal status data
Planning to implement
The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.61 as part of this.
WIPO Standard ST.63: Content and layout of trademark gazettes
Planning to implement
The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.61 as part of this.
WIPO Standard ST.66: Processing of trademark information using XML
No plan to implement
The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.96, rather than ST.66.
WIPO Standard ST.67: Electronic management of the figurative elements of trademarks
Implemented
WIPO Standard ST.68: Electronic management of sound marks
Implemented
WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating Intellectual Property data using Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
Planning to implement
The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.90 as part of this.
WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images
Implemented
Our electronic Trade mark application form allows 3D marks in JPEG, JFIF, OBJ, STL and X3D file formats.
WIPO Standard ST.96: Processing of Industrial Property information using XML
Planning to implement
The UKIPO are currently undergoing a Transformation programme, and we are planning to implement ST.96 as part of this.
Other WIPO Standards Related to Trademarks
Note: Please list any other WIPO Standards related to trademarks (not mentioned above) that your Office or Organization has implemented, is currently in the process of implementing, or plans to implement in the future. For each Standard, please indicate the implementation status with an option: Implemented, On implementation Phase or Planning to Implement.
ST.92 – No plan to implement - would expect to be reviewed as part of Transformation programme.
VIII. OTHER RELATED MATTERS
Nothing to report.