The UK Intellectual Property Office will be offering advice and practical help on forthcoming changes to the Trade Marks Act in a series of events being held around the country in September.

The reforms take effect on 1 October 2007 and reduce the number of cases in which the Trade Marks Registry will oppose a trade mark application. It will no longer oppose marks which conflict with prior registrations. The holders of prior marks will have to object themselves.

Each UKIPO event will last for around two hours and will include a presentation focusing on the trade mark system and the impact of the changes to legislation. The event will conclude with a question and answer session.

"These changes affect every trade mark applicant and holder, and the office is keen to ensure that as many of our customers are made aware of the change in our procedures," said Robin Webb, director of trade marks at the UKIPO.

The UKIPO events take place in London on 3 and 4 September, Birmingham on 7 September, Manchester on 10 September, Newport, South Wales on 11 September, Leeds 14 September and Glasgow on 17 September.

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