The Patents (Fees) Rules 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules revoke and replace the Patents (Fees) Rules 1996 (S.I. 1996/2972).

They also provide for the removal of fees in some instances and a substantial reduction in a number of others. The most significant are in respect of—

(a) the filing fee, which is reduced from £25 to no fee (Form 1/77);

(b) renewal fees are reduced on average by approximately 18%; the reductions are greatest in respect of the early renewal years. For example, renewals for the fifth, sixth and seventh year have been reduced from, respectively, £110 to £50, £120 to £70 and £130 to £90 (Form 12/77);

(c) the fee for applications to register or to give notice of rights acquired in a patent or in an application for a patent is reduced from £50 to no fee (Form 21/77);

(d) the fee for filing translations of European Patents (UK) is reduced from £35 to no fee (Form 54/77).

A compliance cost assessment is available, copies of which have been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies are available also from the Legal Division, Patents and Designs Directorate, the Patent Office, Newport, Gwent, NP9 1RH.