Consultations
UK IPO: A public consultation (closes 14 December 2007) on proposals to introduce fast-track processing services for patent & trade mark applications has been launched. The consultation is being led by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) and takes forward proposals made in the Gowers review of Intellectual Property.
No form of accelerated examination currently exists for trade mark applications. The consultation proposes a new system which will enable applicants to request examination within 10 business days as opposed to the 4-6 week time a standard application will take. A premium fee of £300 is proposed for a fast track application.
Press release ~ Consultation documents ~ Gowers Review of Intellectual Property ~ Patents ~ Trade marks
NA: The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI), part of The National Archives, has launched a new online forum to engage with anyone interested in the re-use of government information for commercial benefit. The channel will allow re-users of public sector information to request the release of government data that may have economic value.
OPSI is inviting businesses, academics, public sector information campaigners and others who work with government to contribute to the creation of this new web channel and to share thoughts & opinions about the development of this new service.
Press release ~ new online forum ~ Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) ~ The National Archives ~ Power of Information report
Defra: Restorers of vintage vehicles will be able to continue using the traditional paints their businesses need under new proposals published for consultation (closes12 December 2007). Defra is seeking views on how an exemption from the European Paints Directive, secured for the UK's vehicle restoration businesses as well as for historic buildings, would operate via a licensing system.
The UK successfully argued for allowing limited continued use of some old style paints to protect the viability of our vintage vehicle restoration industry and the provision was extended to include historic buildings. The licensing system would be self financing and would require those using the products to pay a licence fee covering the administrative costs of the licensing authorities.
