UK Trade Mark Update
August 2007
The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has reported a significant increase in the number of trade mark registrations in 2006.Figures released by the IPO showed that applications rose significantly to reach 74,146, an increase of 16% on the 2005 figure of 63,726. The number of trade marks granted showed a smaller rise to 51,276, an increase of just 1% on the 2005 figure of 50,555.
The figures also showed an 8% increase in the number of applications from abroad, though the number granted fell by 5%.
Robin Webb, Trade Marks and Designs Director, said that the increase had lead to new challenges for the office, announcing "There were more trade mark applications than in any year since the "dot.com" boom in 2000."
The USA remained the largest single source of foreign applications, with an 8% increase in applications, though the number granted fell by 5%.
The number of applications via the Madrid Protocol fell to 15,530, a fall of 8% on the 2005 figure of 16,817. It is believed that the drop in applications may reflect an improved understanding of when to use the Protocol. However the number granted rose to 14,051, a rise of 6% on the 2005 figure of 13,205. This may be due to an increase in the quality of applications as practitioners become used to the new system so raising the percentage of successful applications.
It is believed that the rise in applications may be due to a possible rise in the number of new businesses being launched. An increasing need for an internet presence for both new and established businesses would also lead to a greater awareness of the need for Trade Mark registrations. The larger number of applications may well have reduced the quality of applications, leading to an increased proportion of rejected applications.
Samian Underwriting Agencies Limited Chief Executive Ian Lewis stated that "This news is extremely positive as it shows that companies are becoming more aware of their Intangible Assets and by increasingly choosing to register their Trade Marks they are ensuring greater legal protection. This increased awareness of the importance of Intangible Assets such as Trade Marks is mirrored by an increased understanding of the risks Intangible Asset owners face, be it enforcement, defence or invalidity. This will inevitably lead to greater need for insurance to protect against these risks. There is a massive opportunity for insurance brokers to expand their client base by embracing the intangible world in which their clients operate."
