The Intellectual Property Office today (9 March 2009) announced a review of its trademark fees and services with a public consultation.

A range of options, including a reduced fee package and new support services, aims to help businesses register marks more easily and affordably in the UK, potentially saving them over £700,000 per annum.

The review has been prompted by a decrease in demand for patent and trademark applications in the UK, (down 12% in 2008) with other trade mark offices, including the European trade mark office, also seeing reductions.

A fee reduction for applications to the European trade mark office has this week been agreed by the EU Member States, a move long supported by the UK. The proposals contained in the Intellectual Property Office consultation document will help maintain the UK as a competitive option for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property.

Given the relatively low cost of Community trademarks relative to their coverage of the entire EU,  expect more EU member states to announce reviews of their trademark fees.