Hutchinson IP Ltd is a UK‑registered firm of patent and design attorneys.
Registered address: 57 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PG
Company registration number: 07491607
VAT registration number: GB 111 1650 74
Regulated by: IPReg
Our Relationship
- When you ask us to begin work, these Terms apply.
- We act in your best interests while complying with professional and legal obligations.
- We may act for your competitors, but never in a dispute involving you without consent.
Instructions & Responsibilities
- The person giving instructions is our client and responsible for all fees.
- Joint applicants are jointly and severally liable.
- New clients must provide funds on account before work begins.
- Directors of limited companies are personally liable for any amounts owed by that company to us.
- We will notify you of deadlines. We may, at our discretion, send you a reminder although we are not obliged to do so.
- Adhering to deadlines is your responsibility. You must give clear, complete and timely instructions and keep us updated with any changes to contact details or IP ownership.
- We are not responsible for any loss of rights, late fees or urgency charges if you do not give clear, complete & timely instructions.
- Email may be used for communication; we cannot accept liability for delays, interception, or viruses.
Third‑Party Support
- We may instruct foreign attorneys or specialist providers on your behalf. They are independent of us, and we are not liable for their actions.
- Renewal reminders may be handled by specialist renewal agents who may invoice you directly.
Fees & Payment
- Fees are based on time spent or fixed charges for specific tasks.
- Official fees and third‑party costs are passed on to you.
- VAT applies to UK clients.
- Estimates are given in good faith but are not binding.
- Invoices are payable within 28 days. Late payment may result in suspension of work, interest charges, recovery costs, and a lien over documents.
Files & Information
- Our files remain our property but will be released once all fees are paid.
- Files older than six years may be destroyed unless you instruct otherwise.
- We keep your information confidential except where required by law.
- Personal data is used to provide services and may be shared with renewal agents or foreign attorneys where necessary.
Searches & Infringement Warnings
- Searches cannot be guaranteed complete or error‑free.
- Before we send infringement warnings on your behalf, you must indemnify us against the risk of unjustified‑threat claims.
Ending Our Work
- Our engagement ends when work is complete, fees remain unpaid, continuation is not in our mutual interests, you instruct us to stop, or you enter insolvency.
- After termination, you are responsible for meeting all deadlines to preserve your rights.
Liability
- Your contract is with Hutchinson IP Ltd, not individual staff.
- We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control or for indirect or consequential losses.
- Our liability is limited to the lesser of your direct loss and £1,000,000.
Governing Law
- English law applies, and disputes are handled exclusively by the English courts.