Latest News

Superfast Patents at the UKIPO – a Consultation

The UKIPO has launched a consultation on the possibility of introducing a new “superfast” patent processing service.  The intention is that this service will allow grant in as little as 90 days, on payment of an additional fee.

CIPA prizes for outstanding exam results at Mewburn Ellis LLP

Well done to Tim Belcher, newly qualified patent attorney, on being awarded the “Gill Prize” by the CIPA council.  The prize has been given to Tim for obtaining the highest overall marks in his exams for qualification as a UK patent attorney.  Tim has also been awarded the “Drafting Prize” as the candidate passing the patent drafting paper (P3) with the highest mark. 

Another admirable performance at Mewburn Ellis comes from Elizabeth Lambert, also a newly qualified patent attorney, who has been awarded the “Ballantyne Prize” by the CIPA council for the candidate passing the patent infringement and validity paper (P6) with the highest mark.

Congratulations to both of them on their notable achievements!

Changes to the use of survey evidence and witness collection in trade mark cases

The test to determine whether parties should be allowed to rely on survey evidence or witness collection in trade mark and passing-off litigation has been altered recently following two judgements by the Court of Appeal in M&S v. Interflora.