The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. 

The process of applying for a patent is set to change significantly over the next 12 months. The IPO has published a transformation document which sets out what patent customers can expect over the next 12 months, and details of upcoming changes to IPO’s services as part of the One IPO Transformation Programme.

The changes will start in September 2023 when the first new ‘One IPO’ service will launch a new patents search service. In addition, a new patents pilot will also start. This is expected to be followed in spring 2024 with the launch of the new One IPO patents service for all patents customers. This will include a new digital patents applications service, a new customer accounts service and the first APIs will be made available – allowing providers of IP software to link their products directly to IPO’s new systems.

Further changes are expected in the second half of 2025 including the launch of trade marks and designs services. Also expected is the introduction of a digital hearings and tribunals service.

The Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, said:

‘By delivering fast, flexible, high-quality services for the future, the ‘One IPO Transformation Programme’ will help the UK Intellectual Property Office deliver its ambition to be the best IP office in the world. I am excited to mark one year to go until the IPO’s new fully digital service for patents is launched.’