Updates: Formalities Manual (online version)
2025
Chapter 1: Patents and Formalities
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
has context menu
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
has context menu
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
Chapter 9: Post publication formalities examination
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
IPSUM is no longer available and has been changed to Search For Patent.
2022
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
From 1st July 2022, any sequence listing filed must be in ST26 format. Formalities are responsible for checking the validity of a sequence list using the WIPO Validator Tool added to chapter 4.18
2021
Chapter 2: Request for grant of a patent (Form 1)
Sections 2.49 and 2.50 amended with relation to Transition Period.
Chapter 14: Divisional applications
Section 14.02 amended in relation to Transition Period.
2020
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
6.32 (plus fee currently £150)” changed to (no fee until 31 March 2021, £150 thereafter).
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
7.01 new fees added.
Chapter 10: Extension of time limits (Rule 108 and Rule 109)
10:32 “accompanied by the fee of £135” changed to: (no fee until 31 March 2021, £135 thereafter).
Chapter 13: Applications under the PCT
13.96 “plus a fee of £150” changed to: (no fee until 31 March 2021, £150 thereafter).
2019
Section 3.05 updated.
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
Section 4.31 updated.
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
Section 6.38 updated.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Sections 7.40 and 7.58 amended.
2018
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Chapter 7.46 amended.
Paragraphs 11.44 and 11:45 amended and paragraphs 11.65 to 11.67 have been deleted.
Paragraph 12.47 reference to PDN amended to 05/17
Chapter 15: Private Applicants
Annex 15B replaced.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Chapter 7.01 updated.
Chapter 9: Post publication formalities examination
Chapter 9.04 updated.
2017
Chapter 1: Patents and Formalities
New section added.
Chapter 2: Request for grant of a patent (Form 1)
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
New section added.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 9: Post publication formalities examination
New section added.
Chapter 10: Extension of time limits (Rule 108 and Rule 109)
New section added.
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 13: Applications under the PCT
New section added.
Chapter 14: Divisional applications
New section added.
Chapter 15: Private Applicants
New section added.
Chapter 16: Certified office copies (COC)
New section added.