The UK government has confirmed that from 1 January 2021, new UK patent, trade mark and design applications and oppositions will need a UK address for service.

This changes the current rules which allow the address for service for new UK applications to be within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The proposed changes will come into effect following the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020, provided that parliamentary time allows them to be tabled before the end of the year.

Full details of the changes have been published by the UKIPO here.

Wilson Gunn can help with patents, trade marks and designs in the UK. We can also take on representation for the new ‘comparable’ UK rights that will be created for all EU trade marks and Community designs which were registered on or before 1 January 2021 at no cost. For more information, please get in touch to speak to a member of our team.