ROBERT Kerr, a partner at Winchester based Shentons Solicitors has welcomed the decision by the Patent Office to accept trademarks in respect of retail services.

The Patent Office's decision has been prompted by the harmonisation of trademark law throughout the European Community which now enables applications to register marks for services including the retailing of goods.

Mr Kerr says: "This is a step in the right direction and can result in cost savings for retailers.

"Retailers no longer have to register marks for various goods falling in a number of different categories in order to obtain some protection for those services."