Burrows Chambers Associates at INTA 2026

We are delighted to announce that Burrows Chambers Associates will be attending the INTA Annual Meeting in May 2026.

As one of the world’s leading gatherings for IP professionals, INTA offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners from across the globe. Our team will be on‑site throughout the event, meeting with international associates, exploring emerging trends in trade marks and brand protection, and strengthening the relationships that help us deliver exceptional service.

If you are attending INTA and would like to schedule a meeting, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Introducing the One IPO Roadmap

The IPO has released the first roadmap for its new One IPO service as it moves closer to public launch. Currently in private beta, the service already offers improvements such as near real-time patent updates, but the IPO acknowledges significant work remains.

The roadmap outlines three phases: before launch, focused on essential fixes and internal efficiency upgrades; launch window (the first six months), where customer‑requested improvements will be prioritised; and beyond launch, covering longer‑term enhancements over months 6–12.

Described as Roadmap 1.0, it will be regularly updated as priorities evolve. The IPO emphasises that improvements will continue for years, and absence from the current roadmap doesn’t rule out future changes.

BIPC celebrating 20 years of supporting UK entrepreneurs

 

The British Library’s Business & IP Centre (BIPC) is celebrating 20 years of supporting UK entrepreneurs. Since opening in 2006, the BIPC has helped hundreds of thousands of people start and grow businesses, expanding into a network of more than 70 library-based centres nationwide. With support from the Intellectual Property Office, the BIPC provides free guidance, training and resources on areas including trade marks, patents, market research and business planning. Each year, over 40,000 people benefit from workshops, webinars and one‑to‑one advice, with over 90% still trading after three years. The BIPC also offers toolkits, events and access to its Reading Room in London.

150 Years of UK Trade Marks

In January 1876, Bass & Co’s red triangle beer label became UK Trade Mark No. 1, the first to be officially registered under the Trade Marks Registration Act 1875. The simple yet distinctive symbol marked the beginning of the UK’s modern trade mark system and set a precedent for brand protection that continues today. Still on the register 150 years later, the red triangle remains a powerful example of how strong trade marks can endure and shape commercial identity across generations.

More information here – https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/08/the-red-triangle-that-made-history-celebrating-150-years-of-uk-trade-mark-no-1/

UK IPO Fee Increases – April 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced upcoming fee increases for trade marks, designs, and patents, effective 1st April 2026, pending parliamentary approval.

  • Trade Marks: Fees will rise by an average of 25%. For example, the online application fee will increase from £170 to £205.
  • Designs & Patents: These will also see their first fee changes since 2016 and 2018, respectively.
  • The changes will affect applications, renewals, oppositions, and other services.

Transition & Guidance
Current fees remain in place until April 2026. The UK IPO will publish detailed guidance early next year to support users around the transition. Updated payment terms, including deposit account conditions, are now available on the UK IPO website.

 

More information can be found here Intellectual Property Office fees to increase from April 2026 – GOV.UK

IPO welcomes new IP Minister

On 7 September 2025, Kanishka Narayan MP was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, taking on ministerial responsibility for intellectual property.
Welcoming the appointment, IPO CEO Adam Williams said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Minister Narayan to the role. The UK’s intellectual property system is globally recognised for its strength and impact, and IP continues to be a vital driver of innovation and economic growth. I look forward to working together to ensure the UK remains a world leader in protecting and commercialising brilliant ideas.”

Minister Narayan’s appointment signals continued government commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and commercial success through a robust IP framework.

More information here –  New minister appointed with responsibility for intellectual property – GOV.UK

One IPO Patent Service

The IPO’s new digital patent management service launching in spring 2026 will streamline updates like ownership transfers, representation changes, and renewals—most processed automatically within 24 hours.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is preparing to launch its One IPO Patent Service in spring 2026, marking a major shift in how patents are managed in the UK. This new platform replaces the current manual, paper-based system with a fully digital, user-friendly interface designed to simplify and accelerate common patent transactions

More information can be found here – https://ipo.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/14/whats-changing-managing-your-patents/

A colourful Update for European Patent Applications

From the 1st October 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) will allow colour and greyscale drawings in electronically filed patent applications. This update supports the EPO’s modernization goals and enhances the clarity of technical disclosures.

Key points:

  • Drawings will be published in their original format, improving visual representation of inventions.
  • Submissions must meet specific technical standards, ensuring clarity and detail.
  • The change is part of the EPO’s broader push for fully digital processing and publication.

More information can be found here –  OJ EPO 2025, A57 – Notice from the European Patent Office dated 5 September 2025 concerning drawings in colour and greyscale

Burrows Chambers Associates – new office address

As of Monday the 6th October 2025, Burrows Chambers Associates will be relocating to:

Burrows Chambers Associates

Devonshire Business Centre

Works Road

Letchworth Garden City

Hertfordshire

SG6 1GJ

Our telephone number and email addresses remain unchanged.

UK Govt Launches Security Support Scheme for Small Businesses

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative to help up to 500 small and medium-sized enterprises protect their intellectual property from growing security threats, including cyberattacks and espionage by hostile state actors. Backed by £2,500 in government funding per company, the Secure Innovation Security Reviews will offer expert-led assessments and tailored advice to firms in high-risk sectors such as AI, life sciences, and renewable energy. Delivered through Innovate UK and supported by the National Cyber Security Centre and National Protective Security Authority, the scheme aims to boost resilience, investor confidence, and long-term growth.

More information can be found here – New backing for small businesses to protect their intellectual property from security threats – GOV.UK

GET IN TOUCH

Neil Chambers | Chartered & European Patent & Trade Mark Attorney
Devonshire Business Centre | Works Road | Letchworth Garden City | Hertfordshire | SG6 1GJ
Phone: +44 (0) 1462 481 755 | Email: nec@burrowschambers.com

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‘Burrows Chambers Associates’ is a trading name of Chambers IP Ltd, Company Registration Number 15663271

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