A corporate report has been published on UK IPO website outlining what users can expect with the rollout of the new One IPO patents service in spring 2024.
In September 2023, the existing Ipsum search service will be replaced by the new One IPO patent service, which includes a search service that will provide a host of options for users to conduct searches using, for example, keywords, owner of the right, date of registration and the status of the IP right. The new search service will include newly available online data, including Supplementary Patent Certificates (SPCs) back to 2017.
A key feature provided by the new search service is the ability for users to monitor patents of special interest and allow them to build their own patent journal. At a later stage, it is foreseen that this service will also extend to trade marks and designs in 2025, thereby creating a streamlined, one-stop shop for users to search all UK IPs.
Some of the key features we should expect from the new services are as follows.
- IP software developers will have the opportunity to link their IP software to the new system via APIs. New features will also be rolled out via these APIs.
- The EPO's Electronic Online Filing (eOLF) service currently being used by most patent firms to file GB patent applications and PCTs will be phased out and replaced with the new One IPO patent services.
It will no longer be possible to file new PCTs using eOLF but existing PCTs and new GB patents can still be processed using the eOLF for three months after launch.
3. The process of submitting patent applications will be changed namely:
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- users will have to upload each part of your patent specification in a separate document (i.e. Description, Claims and Drawings).
- users will have to upload documents in DocX or ODT format. For drawings, users will also be able to submit a machine-readable PDF.
The above changes are to enable better collaboration between IPO and attorneys through tracked changes and comments on documents, to enable faster IP examination through more efficient processing, and to allow more suitable digital ways of working.
- Finally, the launch of the One IPO service will mean that the UKIPO changes its paper forms to reflect the new digital service.
To aid the launch of the new One IPO patent service, between September 2023 and Spring 2024 the UKIPO will be running the patents pilot. The pilot will give a small group of customers the opportunity to have early access and test drive the new One IPO patents service. This pilot will hopefully help to iron out any unforeseen technical issues prior to the formal launch late next year.