SINGLE DESIGNS: These can simply be given a case reference DNNNNGB (or other country). There is no need to add “001”.
MULTIPLE DESIGNS IN A SINGLE APPLICATION: Because UK and EU applications can cover multiple designs, which ultimately proceed as independent design registrations, we need to provide multiple case records. We have previously assigned new case numbers to the additional designs, but an easier way forward is to create the additional cases as, e.g.:
DNNNGB001 as the main file and
DNNNGB002 for the 2nd
DNNNGB003 for the 3rd and so on
This approach is consistent with the EU numbering system as well as with what some associates are using. This will require renumbering of the main case after it is created, and then changing the case number during the creation of the subsequent files.
The suggested procedure to follow is:
- Create the parent case, manually amending the case reference to add the 001.
- When you create the case records for the subsequent designs, enter the 001 case as the parent case reference. When the system askes whether to add the country ref to the existing case reference, select yes and then manually amend to delete the GB at the end and change 001 to 002, etc. Save straight away to avoid the reference reverting to its default form.
- If there are multiple priorities, on each subsequent case, i.e. 002…., delete all the priorities except the one relevant to the design. When you save, Equinox will ask if the change is to be applied to the family. Select No. The same procedure will also apply to the title of the design.
- When the case has been filed, enter the relevant application number and date for each file, but generate a report on the 001 file using the Design Report Filing e-mail, amending where appropriate to identify the additional cases. The invoice can be generated on the main case as well
- Where a special filing price has been agreed with an overseas attorney client, make sure that the special price is entered on the client record under the Discounts tab. You can enter these as a service by service fixed price (for an example, see Gulde). If you are unable to select a particular Service code (usually where it is an official fee), you may need to go to System/Financial/Services and check the Discountable box. Official fees are not normally discounted, but you may wish to ensure that the final invoice is for a whole number of Euros or Dollars by assigning a fixed price according to current exchange rates. It will be important to remember to review these periodically to ensure that we are not losing out.
- When invoicing, remember to choose code 6000 for a single design and 6001 for multiple design applications.
Last Updated on 2 January 2025 by Keith