UKPO To Provide Non-Binding Infringement Opinions?

According to IP Law Bulletin on July 23, 2004, "The United Kingdom has amended its existing patent law in an effort to deter unreasonable infringement suits and encourage out-of-court settlements." Although status information from the UK Parliament is currently available only through July 19, the bill reportedly enables the UK Patent Office to provide non-binding opinions on patent infringement in order to settle disputes over patent rights without parties having to resort to expensive litigation.

In the U.S. , Patent Examiners are not allowed to suggest a field of search for patented inventions, much less comment on infringement.