Brexit update: International Designs and Trade Marks numbering system
Locations
Whilst we may not have any clarity in the land of Brexit at the moment, the UK Intellectual Property Office has now confirmed the new numbering system for re-registered International designs (both RCDs and International (EU) designs) and International trade marks. The recently released UKIPO guidance confirms that the new numbering system will happen immediately before exit day (although we don't know when, or even if, that will be just yet).
Re-registered designs
These are existing RCDs which will be automatically re-registered to become a UK re-registered design right. The UKIPO has confirmed that to distinguish these re-registered designs, they will simply prefix the existing 13-digit RCD number with a "9".
International Design Registrations designating the EU
These are existing International (EU) designs which will be automatically re-registered to become a re-registered International UK design. To distinguish these re-registered design rights, the UKIPO will simply prefix the existing International (EU) Registration number with an "8".
International Trade Marks Registrations designating the EU
These are International Trade Mark Registrations designating the EU which will automatically be re-registered to designate the UK. To distinguish these re-registered UK designations, the last eight characters of the International Trade Mark Registration Number will be prefixed with "UK008". (For the position concerning EU trade marks, see our recent trade mark blog.)
So in a world of current uncertainty, at least we have clarity on registration numbers!