David Cameron has recently unveiled a fast track scheme of international patent applications.  The UK is among the first to introduce such a fast track scheme and the Prime Minister confirmed that the aim was “to reduce the global backlog which stifles growth and enterprise”, which costs the global economy an estimated £7.6 billion every year if patents are delayed. 

The new procedure will apply to patent applications filed under the International Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT).   Under the PCT system, applications currently undergo a preliminary assessment of their patentabilty before being passed to the individual designated nations to consider the detail of the application. As a result, it can take more than 18 months before an examination report is prepared and sent to the Applicant.  However, applicants requesting the new fast track service should now, in 90% of cases, receive an examination report within 2 months of submission.

Intellectual Property minister Baroness Wilcox was quoted as saying “Innovation is one of the main driving forces for Britain’s economic recovery. Delays in dealing with patent applications prevent firms from expanding and creating new jobs.  It is essential that businesses can take ideas from the drawing board to the market as quickly as possible.  Securing the patent is an integral part of that process.  The new fast track procedure will make it quicker for businesses to turn innovation and ideas into products and jobs.”

If you would like any further information regarding patents or other intellectual property, including registration, licensing under assignments, please contact the IP team (08451292357) at Lee & Priestley who will be more than happy to help. 

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