The IPO launched our online patent renewals service back in July 2014 as part of our commitment to deliver the best digital services for our customers.
Since then it’s gone from strength to strength, with over 100,000 submissions for UK and European patents renewed so far.
Easy as 1-2-3
Before we launched this service, renewing a patent involved the customer posting their completed forms back to us. This was a lengthy and tiring process for all involved.
Now, all you need is your patent number, credit, debit or IPO deposit account number, and an email address so we can send you a certificate of payment.
Also, when renewing a patent online, customers can ask us to email them a reminder one month before the next due date, a feature which has proved popular.
Here are some more examples of the great feedback we have received from customers:
No improvements necessary - service was straightforward, easy to use and very impressive.
Quick, efficient, not complicated, and easy to use.
I think your service is excellent.
Since the service went live, there has been a huge appetite for this digital offering with our customers. During the last financial year (2016 – 2017) 97% of renewals were filed online, a figure that has grown steadily over the last 3 years. We have also seen renewals from 81 different countries including Peru, Belize, Cayman Islands and Mauritius.
Why renew a patent?
A patent helps protect your invention. It gives you the right to take legal action against anyone who uses, sells, makes or imports it without your permission. Once a patent is granted, you need to renew it very year so that the protection for your invention continues.
Your patent must be first renewed on the 4th anniversary of the date you filed and will then need to be renewed every year up to a maximum of 20 years. The renewal fees for a patent increase each year. For example, £130 for the 8th year and £250 for the 13th year. As the costs increase, it’s important to be sure you are still benefiting from keeping your patent in force.
The patent process
The patent application process can be complex and lengthy, so it's good to understand the different steps involved. Our patents grant timeline provides an indication of the process and the stages involved.
If you’re considering applying for a patent we recommend that you seek help from a patent attorney or advisor who will be able to construct your application correctly.
Furthermore, you could attend an intellectual property (IP) clinic or go to the British Library Business and IP Centre where you may be able to get free and confidential advice.
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