New fast-track initiative for trademarks

The government has announced a fast-track service for those businesses looking to trademark intellectual property (IP).

These services must be fast but thorough and effective

Lord Triesman

Intellectual property and quality minister

Following a review of intellectual property legislation suggested in 2005 and a consultation including possible improvements to the system published last year, a new fast-track registration will be introduced this April.

Intellectual property and quality minister Lord Triesman announced the improved service which will be processed in ten business days.

He commented: "The UK must be a world leader in innovation and enterprise.

"So it needs new services empowering business to protect their intellectual property. These services must be fast but thorough and effective. Today we announce just such a service for trademarks.

Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the UK Intellectual Property Office, added that the fast-tracking process will still provide "a high quality service".

He also suggested that plans are being considered for alternative ways of "speeding up the process for registering trademarks".