The UKIPO has issued a notice on 25th January 2023 advising of a change in practice regarding serving documents relating to any cancellation, rectification or opposition proceedings on UK designations of International Registrations (IRs)
Where no UK address for service is recorded against the UK designation of an IR, before any documents are considered to be formally served, the UKIPO will notify the WIPO representative, or the holder of the IR directly by post only, that a UK address for service will be required in the UK within one month of the issuance of the notification and to confirm the intention to defend the action.
This highlights the importance for overseas holders of IRs designating the UK to have a UK address for service in place and, in view of the tight deadline of such notices from the UKIPO, we would strongly recommend that a UK representative be appointed as early as possible.
