Why fees are increasing? The UKIPO’s fees have not increased since 2018 for patents, 2016 for designs and 1998 for trade marks. During this time, the IPO has avoided fee increases by improving efficiency and investing in digital services using existing reserves. The proposed 25% increase allows us to address the 32% rise in inflation since 2016 and future cost pressures that cannot be fully offset through further efficiency savings or reserves. These increases will enable the IPO to continue to invest in its systems and provide high quality services. What this means for customers? Fees will increase by an average of 25%.  For example a patent search is going up from £150 to £200 and a trade mark application from £170 to £205. The IPO will publish full guidance early next year to help customers whose fees may be due around the time of the planned changes

Dear Valued Colleagues and Clients, Due to upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in China, as well as CNIPA and all Chinese courts, we will be closed on the following holidays. Any deadlines falling on these days will be automatically adjusted to the next working day. 01 Oct 2025(Wed) →  08 Oct 2025 (Wed) We thank you for your kind attention and should you have an emergency or require immediate assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best regards. Huigang Donping IP Law Firm

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced that starting September 1, 2025, all Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) hearings will be held in-person. All parties will be expected to appear in person for hearings absent a showing of good cause. Good cause will generally be limited to circumstances such as financial hardship, medical emergencies, or other comparable obstacles to in-person attendance. It’s important to note that the approval of one party to appear virtually does not establish good cause for other parties in the same matter to also appear virtually. Hearings will be held at one of the USPTO’s offices. Parties may request a specific office location for their hearing, and the PTAB will attempt to accommodate these requests. The public maintains the ability to remotely attend PTAB hearings. To access a hearing virtually—or in-person—submit a request to PTABHearings@uspto.gov at least three business days before the hearing. For more information, visit the PTAB hearings page of the USPTO website, contact PTABHearings@uspto.gov, or call 571-272-9797. Stay current with the USPTO by subscribing to receive email updates from our Subscription Center.