Event/topic date: 2026-06-16. Retrospective prepared and sources reviewed on 13 November 2026.
On 16 June 2026, WIPO described a simplified digital request to appoint or replace a representative. Authorisation is sent to the holder’s recorded email address. Under the published procedure, the holder must authorise the request within 14 days.
What businesses should review
A change of representative is also an operational handover. Reconcile register data, account access, open office notices and pending deadlines. Portal access should not be equated with accepting every previous responsibility; agree the new scope of work expressly.
Four practical examples
The following scenarios are illustrative examples, not reports of client matters.
Outdated email
The recorded address belongs to a former employee. Resolve access before the change. An unanswered approval request should not be discovered only when an office deadline is approaching.
Several group companies
The portfolio is split between companies. Organise requests by the actual holders and recorded contacts. A shared group address does not remove the need to identify ownership of each right.
Pending objection
An office notice is outstanding during handover. Confirm in writing who will respond. The administrative change should not be treated as an extension of the deadline.
Define the retainer
The new firm is initially instructed only on renewals. Watching, disputes and local representation require separate agreement. Keep the allocation of responsibilities explicit.
Next step
Gather register extracts, existing correspondence and the planned changes. Identify the rights, products and dates actually affected. Tell us about your matter; scope and fees are agreed before instructions are accepted.