asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if his attention has been drawn to the considerable backlog in the examination of applications for trade marks at the Patents Office and to the fact that at present applications received in 1978 are not likely to be reached until 1981; and if he will arrange for an immediate increase in the number of staff in this office.
Written Answers. - Trade Marks Applications.
317.
I am aware of, and am seriously concerned at, the considerable backlog in the examination of applications for trade marks at the Patents Office.
Following a substantial increase in trade mark applications in 1972 and subsequent years, an examination of work procedures in the Patents Office was carried out. This led to a reorganisation of the relevant section of the office and the provision of additional staff.
The full benefit of additional staff resources cannot be realised without a lengthy training period and continuity of service by those trained. Necessary staff movements makes the achievement of the latter objective difficult. This and the increasing level of applications has militated against the objective of reducing the arrears.
In the circumstances I am now considering as a matter of urgency the possibility of special measures to reduce very quickly the backlog of arrears.