Intellectual Property List

The Intellectual Property List consists of two types of case:

(1) claims and appeals concerning patents (including supplementary protection certificates), registered designs, semiconductor topography rights and plant varieties; and

(2) claims and appeals concerning the other intellectual property rights listed in Practice Direction 63 paragraph 16.1 (which include copyrights and related rights, design rights, registered trade marks and claims for passing off and misuse of trade secrets).

Larger, more complex claims whose value exceeds £500,000, and appeals, of type (1) are heard by the Patents Court.

Larger, more complex claims whose value exceeds £500,000, and appeals, of type (2) are heard in The General IP List.

Smaller, simpler claims whose value does not exceed £500,000 of either type can be heard by the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), which has different procedures and costs rules designed to provide access to justice for individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Guidance as to the suitability of claims for hearing in the IPEC is included in the IPEC Guide (external link). Claims of type (2) whose value does not exceed £10,000 can be heard by the IPEC Small Claims track.