The Registered Designs (Amendment) Rules 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules amend the Registered Designs Rules 1995 (S.I. 1995/2912). In addition to minor and drafting amendments, these Rules:—

(a) make provision for the particular size and number of documents and representations of designs filed before the registrar (rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9);

(b) make provision for the form of certificate and omit Schedule 2 (rules 10 and 21);

(c) make provision for the registrar to vary time limits where he considers it appropriate and to call case management conferences or set pre-hearing reviews in relation to the exercise of his discretionary powers (rules 12, 13 and 14);

(d) make provision for the giving of evidence by witness statement and the calling of witnesses in certain circumstances (rules 15, 16 and 17);

(e) extend the hours during which public inspection of the register is permitted, to between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on business days (rule 18);

(f) extend the hours for certain transactions of business of the Patent Office from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (rule 19);

(g) make Tuesday 4th January 2000 an excluded day; that is to say a day on which the Patent Office is closed for the purposes of the transaction by the public of business with that Office (rule 20); and

(h) omit the requirement to use Designs Form 9A in relation to extensions for further periods of five years (rule 11).

These Rules take effect on 22nd December 1999 save that Rules 12, 13 and 14 shall not apply to any proceeding already begun before the registrar at the time of entry into force of these Rules but that they should apply to such proceedings after 26th April 2000.

A Regulatory Impact assessment is available, copies of which have been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies of the assessment are also available from the Patents and Designs Directorate, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport NP9 1RH.