Reduced UK Design Fees Help Ease Brexit Uncertainty

The result of the EU referendum has led to some uncertainty over the future effect within the UK of Community (EU) designs.  We do not yet know how existing Community registrations will work once the UK leaves the EU, or what options will be available to UK designers looking to apply to protect their designs at home and abroad.

Happily, last year's reduction in UK design fees has made it easier for designers to adopt a sensible "belt and braces" approach and consider filing both Community (EU) and UK applications for the same design.

The UK government reduced UK design fees from 1 October 2016, following a consultation in January of that year.  Fees had remained unchanged for ten years, and were based upon the paper system of filing applications.  The introduction of an online system to streamline design registration has allowed the UKIPO to reduce its costs, and these savings are being passed on to applicants.