The UKIPO has announced the result of their consultation regarding the recently proposed changes to the patents rules.

 

The most significant change will be the introduction of a Notification of Grant, which will provide applicants with more certainty regarding the deadline for filing a divisional application, and reduce the risk of inadvertently missing the deadline.

 

Other changes include the general prohibition of omnibus claims (an archaic form of claim already not allowed in most countries outside the UK), and the relaxation of formal requirements for drawings so that photographs and shaded drawings are allowed, as long as they are sufficiently clear and reproducible.

 

To view the full response to the proposed amendments to the patent rules, click here.

 

You can also read more about the consultation on the gov.uk website.