The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has said the first patent application has been successfully filed on its new digital One IPO service.
It has also introduced an AI powered patent allocation tool for internal use.
The filing through the One IPO service has been carried out as part of the private beta stage of the patents pilot programme, under which some customers have been given early access to test it and provide feedback ahead of a scheduled launch early next year.
This is part of the broader One IPO Transformation Programme, which is intended to provide a single integrated service for managing all UK IP rights.
The IPO said the new service provides a number of features including the ability to view and manage a portfolio of UK patents online for the first time, functions to submit information in manageable chunks and in any order, and to save and share draft applications.
There are also built-in checks to prevent errors and give instant feedback on formatting issues, and the capacity to re-use data from the customer’s account.
Launch plans
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 IP tribunals in 2026.
The new AI allocation tool automatically sends patents to IPO examiners with the right technical expertise. The organisation said it makes it possible to instantly complete a task that previously took 14 days.
Also in the pipeline is a new online patents search that will make it possible to search for UK patents through a range of criteria, including application number, keywords, classification and data of grant. It will also make it possible to search for supplementary protection certificates, visualise searches with charts and graphs and build a custom patents journal.
Expected future improvements include a suite of APIs to enable attorneys to transaction with the IPO directly from their existing IP software.
Slicker services
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle said: “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, deputy CEO of the IPO, commented: “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.”
