Apple case highlights UKIPO's strict approach in awarding costs

In this recent case before the UKIPO, the applicants had filed 68 applications to revoke Apple’s registered trademarks on the grounds of non-use. The hearing officer accepted Apple’s submissions that the applications constituted an abuse of process and that, therefore, it was entitled to off-scale costs. However, the hearing officer found that Apple’s assessment of the on-scale costs was wrong and decided to award only off-scale costs.