The UK Government has announced that from 1 January 2021, the UKIPO’s rules on address for service will change. The change removes the ability to use an address for service in the European Economic Area (EEA) for new UK matters and will mean that only a UK, Gibraltar or Channel Islands address will be accepted on new applications, new oppositions, and other proceedings before the UKIPO. The Isle of Man remains a valid address for service.

The changes do not mean that Applicants outside the UK will not be allowed to make filings before the UKIPO, it simply means that they must have a UK address to correspond with the UK IPO.

The new UK address for service requirement will not yet apply to the renewal of existing registered rights. The rules include transitional provisions for pending proceedings, applications and rights.

The statutory instrument implementing this change has been tabled by Minister for IP Amanda Solloway MP. It will come into force on 1st January 2021, subject to the legislation being passed. Please see the full statutory instrument here.

Please note that Brexit does not impact on Keltie’s ability to continue to represent clients in the EU due to our Irish office, which remains in the EU, meaning we continue to be able to act before the EUIPO in addition to the UKIPO and the IPOI (Intellectual Property Office of Ireland).

Amelia Skelding 1 December 2020