IPO celebrates first filing in new digital service
The IPO marks a game-changing moment as the first patent is filed in new ‘One IPO’ service.
The IPO is celebrating a landmark moment, with the first patent application successfully filed on the new fully digital ‘One IPO’ patents service. The IPO also debuted their new AI-powered patent allocation tool, which slashes the time taken to get the patent application to the right team from 14 days to a matter of seconds. This enables a more streamlined and efficient service.
The news of the first patent being filed comes as the IPO ramps up its pilot of the new service, where some customers are given early access to test and give their feedback ahead of the expected launch to all patents customers in early 2025.
Transforming the IPO
Since 2021, the IPO have been transforming the services they offer through the One IPO Transformation Programme, which will provide a single, integrated service for managing all UK IP rights.
The One IPO Transformation Programme is the most challenging and ambitious endeavour in the IPO’s history. It is core to the IPO’s goal of becoming a more innovative, dynamic and responsive organisation. Over the last three years, the programme has worked with hundreds of patents customers to develop a best-in-class rights granting service that meets the needs of customers.
The new patents service is due to launch to the public in the first half of 2025, followed by a new service for trade marks, designs and IPO tribunals launching in 2026.
The new patent application service will offer customers several sought-after improvements, including:
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view, manage and update your portfolio of UK patents online for the first time;
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more fluid patent applications that allow customers to submit information in manageable chunks and in the order that suits them;
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save and share draft applications with colleagues and clients for easy collaboration and a more flexible way of working – this is one of our most requested features;
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built-in checks to prevent errors and give instant feedback on formatting issues, meaning fewer unnecessary delays;
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reusing data from the customers’ account to save time and prevent customers from having to re-enter information on each application
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle hailed the One IPO service as “a true revolution in efficiency”:
The IPO’s new service is an embodiment of our vision to transform how we deliver slicker and quicker digital services to the British public.
The One IPO system will make it easier for users to bring their new innovations to market. Through the application of cutting-edge AI, it will also change what is currently a weeks-long administrative process into one taking a matter of seconds.
This represents a true revolution in efficiency, supporting innovators to deliver the solutions which will kickstart our economic growth and usher in a new era of productivity.
Andy Bartlett, IPO’s Deputy CEO, described the moment as a ‘game-changer’:
I can’t emphasise enough what a huge game-changer this is for both the IPO and our customers. It brings us one step closer to delivering our strategy – high quality, efficient and accessible services. It’s a great example of digital transformation helping businesses grow.
This was a massive test for what we’ve been building and we passed that test with flying colours.
Natasha Chick, IPO’s Divisional Director of Transformation, hailed the first filing:
I’m absolutely thrilled that the first patent has been filed using our new service. We’ve made so much progress, and this is a huge moment that shows how far we’ve come. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on with more customers.
Matt Dixon, President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys highlighted CIPA’s continued support for the project:
CIPA is delighted to see that this landmark in the IPO’s transformation programme has been reached. The whole programme is an enormous, but much needed, undertaking, and we are pleased that our members have been able to be involved in the testing and development of the systems, providing practical user feedback.
We look forward to the launch of One IPO for patents in 2025 and continue to offer our support both in the final stage of the patent project and beyond.
Murgitroyd welcomed the IPO to their Southampton office to mark this occasion with patent attorneys and paralegal teams alike seeing the programme in action. Thomas Gibb etched his name in IPO history as the first person to file a patent in the new service. Murgitroyd is a large full-service intellectual property firm, with 22 offices across the globe.
Thomas Gibb, Chief Compliance Officer, Murgitroyd, said of the new service:
It looks like a great system. We’re really excited about what it can do already and we’re looking forward to seeing how it will develop. The team were really positive about it - it looks easier to use than what we’re used to. It was exciting to join the pilot, file the first patent and be a part of patent history!
AI allocation tool
The improvements aren’t limited to customer-facing services. As part of its One IPO Transformation Programme the IPO have also been overhauling their internal systems to process patents more quickly and efficiently.
A symbol of this improvement is the new AI allocation tool, which automatically sends patents to IPO examiners with the right technical expertise. The allocation tool dramatically improves efficiency, instantly completing a task that previously took 14 days. This is just one example of the kind of improvements and efficiencies the IPO will be able to deliver as a result of their new digital services.
The service has been designed so future changes and improvements can be made quickly in response to customers’ needs. Expected future improvements include a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that will allow attorneys to transact with the IPO directly from their existing IP software.
Piloting the new service
The IPO are looking for more customers to take part in the pilot of their new patents service. You can find out more about why you should get involved in the pilot by reading our guidance and express your interest in taking part by emailing pilot@ipo.gov.uk.
Notes to Editors:
Our services strategy
In May 2024 the IPO published its new three-year strategic plan. Among other things, this sets out the vision for our rights granting services and how they will help our customers grow the UK economy and boost productivity.
When creators and innovators understand the value of IP, and can register it quickly and easily with confidence, they can use it to support their financial success. Our 88% customer satisfaction rating demonstrates that customers already value the service we provide.
We will make our processes as seamless as possible, demonstrating an important way we can keep helping our customers grow the UK economy.
To achieve this we will:
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transform and then iterate the way we deliver our services to provide high-quality, timely, forward looking IP protection that meets customer need
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realise the potential of our data to maximise the value of IP to society and support economic growth
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provide the right tools and support that inspire innovation and creativity
New online patents search
The IPO will be launching a new online patents search later this year. It will boast a several key features, including:
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search for UK patents using a multitude of criteria, including application number, key words, classification and date of grant
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search for Supplementary Protection Certificates online back to 2017 for the first time
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visualise searches with charts and graphs
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build a custom patents journal, based on your own date ranges and search criteria