The Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Applications for Patents) Order 2002
This Order enables specified functions of the Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (“the comptroller”) relating to applications for patents and specified functions of examiners of the Patent Office relating to examinations and searches to be exercised by any person (or his employees) whom the comptroller may authorise to do so (articles 3 and 4).