Burrows Chambers Associates are currently looking to recruit a part-time Renewals / Formalities Clerk to look after our Firm’s Designs, Patents and Trade Marks renewals.  The role includes issuing reminders, processing instructions, invoicing for renewals, arranging fee transfers and payments, and ensuring records are accurately updated.  The role demands efficiency, high-attention to detail, and the ability to autonomously manage this workload, sometimes within tight deadlines.

You will autonomously communicate regularly with Clients and Foreign Attorneys and, so, clear, confident communication – whether by email, phone, or in person – is essential.  The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and capable of maintaining quality while multitasking in a fast-paced environment, with a view to the role expanding over time to the right candidate.

Previous experience in a renewals is essential.  It is also preferred that the candidate would have experience using the Equinox IP database, or an equivalent.

Owing to UK work regulations, we are unable to offer sponsorship and, so, please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before getting in touch.

Our present requirements are ½- to one-day per week, with a view to this expanding over time to the right candidate.

Please contact admin@burrowschambers.com for more information.

A factsheet with more information and top-tips can be found here – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/606ffec6e90e076f4d5bfcb0/Bad-faith_Trade_Marks_-_IP_in_China_Factsheet.pdf

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched One IPO Search, a new tool to make accessing UK patent information easier for businesses and innovators. Replacing the Ipsum service, this platform offers enhanced features like simple keyword searches, visual data analysis, and a user-friendly interface. It’s part of the IPO’s wider transformation programme, aiming to modernise intellectual property services with additional digital tools coming in late 2025.

More information here –  New patent search tool to boost UK innovation – GOV.UK

The One IPO Transformation Programme has recently reached a significant landmark with the filing of the first patent application on the new fully digital patents service. The IPO believes the new programme will make applying for, managing and monitoring patents far easier for customers.

The new patents service is due to launch to the public in the first half of 2025, followed by a new service for trade marks, designs and IPO tribunals launching in 2026.

More information can be found here – IPO celebrates first filing in new digital service – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

EPO launches new, simplified fee system supporting small companies

Fees for European patent applications are changing from 1 April 2024. These include reductions for small companies, and some fees have been eradicated.

​​The changes introduce dedicated fee reductions for micro-entities, simplify the fee system, create incentives for further digitalisation, and secure the Organisation’s financial sustainability through moderate increases of procedural and internal renewal fees.

The changes are in place to support small and medium-sized applicants in obtaining patent protection and commercialising their inventions throughout Europe and the world. The EPO has plans to introduce further support aimed at innovative entities requiring further financial assistance to access the European patent system, i.e. micro-enterprises, natural persons, non-profit organisations, universities and public research organisations. These micro-entities will benefit from a 30% reduction in all main fees in the patent grant procedure, provided they have filed fewer than five applications in the last five years.

​​More information here