Previously a multitude of different official fees had to be paid for different activities. Many official fees have now been abolished in relation to patents, trade marks and designs. In particular, registration fees have been abolished as have fees for recording subsequent proprietors, changes of name or address, correcting errors and amending trade mark applications. Official fees for applications remain unchanged for trade marks but are reduced for patents.
Renewal fees are unchanged.
If this schedule is adopted it appears likely that the successful party in an opposition or hearing will have some prospect of recovering a significant proportion of its costs from the unsuccessful party. Previously any costs awarded following a hearing have been of a fairly nominal nature. Extension of time fees have been abolished entirely in relation to patents, trade marks and designs.