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The British Patent Office is cutting its fees from October—and some are
being abolished. Trade and industry minister Ian McCartney says that since the
PO moved to Wales in 1991 it has saved so much cash that it can afford to reduce
its revenue by some £12 million a year. The initial fee for filing a
patent application, currently £25, will be abolished. Trademark
applications go down from £225 to £200, helping small firms seek
early protection. Annual renewal fees on granted patents will also be cut by 18
per cent, helping companies keep patents in force while they try to build their
businesses.