January 2, 2018
Stobbs in the CITMA Review - Most UKIPO appearances 2013-2017
Stobbs in the CITMA Review - Most UKIPO appearances 2013-2017
The New Year offers a time to look back and reflect on the previous year. A recent article in the CITMA Review (members can log in to view) totted up the number of appearances of trade mark attorneys, barristers and solicitors in oral hearings before the UKIPO. We're delighted to report that, for the period 2013-2017, Stobbs made more appearances than any other firm, and Julius Stobbs made more appearances than any other trade mark attorney or solicitor.

The ability to request an oral hearing to discuss an objection or decide on an opposition is one of the benefits of the UK trade mark system. By having a conversation with the Hearing Officer, you can often get under the skin of the issues, and work out which arguments are most likely to be persuasive. Whilst the idea of a hearing can seem intimidating, UKIPO hearings are not as formal as court hearings. Ex parte hearings to discuss an examiner's objection are conducted by phone, and more often take the format of a conversation than a formal presentation to the Hearing Officer. The ability to instruct a trade mark attorney rather than a barrister makes this an affordable forum, and an opportunity for brand owners to put their case to the registry.

We feel our clients benefit greatly from our firm’s willingness to participate in registry hearings.  For more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

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