• We have extensive experience of EPO and Unitary Patent procedures alongside national protection of patents, trade marks and registered designs in the UK.
• We understand the importance of accommodating your specific requirements. Our friendly and flexible attitude makes us very easy to work with.
• We are also an independent, owner-managed, firm so we are invested in long term relationships and helping both your clients and your own firm grow.

The result is that we can really get behind you with creative solutions that deliver value for your clients and for you.

European Regional Phase Filings

We combine streamlined processes with care and attention to detail to make sure that each case is catered for individually, with any unusual problems being flagged at an early stage.

We can also advise on matters specific to European practice, such as conciseness of claims, unity of invention, added subject matter, and claim amendments to avoid paying unnecessary excess claims fees.  These matters are screened as a matter of course upon filing and any issues are flagged up for early consideration.

Examination

The European Patent Office (EPO) operates one of the most rigorous patent examination procedures in the world.  We are well practised at navigating their structured approach, for example presenting clear arguments about inventive step according to the gold standard “problem and solution” approach; and preparing responses in a pragmatic and effective fashion to make it easy for Examiners to accept applications.

In cases where agreement cannot be reached in writing, the EPO appoints Oral Proceedings to conclude the application.  In most cases we can obtain acceptance of applications through further written submissions and further dialogue with the Examiner without the need for the Oral Proceedings to go ahead.  However, when required we also have experience of conducting Oral Proceedings.

Oppositions and Appeals

The opposition procedure is a powerful weapon for centrally revoking a European Patent, because the decision of the EPO is binding on each of the national countries where the European Patent has been validated.

We guide you through the opposition process with a pragmatic attitude and a creative approach which takes account of the dynamics of each specific case.  When it comes to concluding the opposition at an Oral Proceeding, we make sure we are thoroughly prepared, and we have the skills and experience to present your case clearly before the opposition division. We also have experience in the conduct of Appeal proceedings at the EPO.

If you are thinking of filing an opposition, or you have a case to defend, contact us to discuss the options.

UK National Phase Filings

We can also file UK national phase applications, or Convention filings.  The UKIPO has cost effective official fees and a high quality of examination, with acceleration being available automatically via the “Green Channel” for inventions with an environmental benefit, via PPH, or by discretion in other cases.  Therefore a UK filing is an attractive route to secure robust protection in an important market.

Trade Marks – Madrid National Stage

We can take on local representation at the UKIPO for UK designations of a Madrid application.  This will be mandatory in case any objections are received to the application.  We have in-depth experience and resolving matters through amicable and contentious proceedings before the UKIPO.

We can also help your clients with local watching services, including open source and local market intelligence.