The One IPO Transformation Programme is the biggest services upgrade that the IPO has had in more than 170 years of its history. Commenced in 2021 we have just reached a significant landmark on our journey: the filing of the first patent application on the new fully digital patents service. This will make applying for, managing and monitoring patents far easier for our customers.
Patent filing pilot takes off soon – will you be on board?
The news of the first patent being filed comes as we’re ramping up piloting of the new service. We will be enabling early access for a limited number of customers to test and feed back on the new service before its official launch to all patent applicants in 2025.
If you would like to be among those included, email the team on pilot@ipo.gov.uk to register your interest. Find out more (link): Taking part in our patents pilot - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The new service will enable our customers to:
- view, manage and update portfolios of UK patents online for the first time
- enjoy a more fluid application process, submitting information in manageable chunks in the order that suits them
- save and share draft applications with colleagues and clients for easy collaboration and a more flexible way of working – one of our most requested features;
- benefit from built-in checks that prevent errors and give instant feedback on formatting issues, meaning fewer unnecessary delays
- save time – the system reuses data from the customers’ account to prevent them having to re-enter information on each application.
The first patent filing – how did it go?
We were anxious to find out how the first filing went, so we spoke to those involved. Here’s what they said:
The customer:
As the first person to file a patent using the new service, Thomas Gibb, Chief Compliance Officer from global attorneys Murgitroyd was well aware of the significance of the occasion. We asked Thomas how he found the process.
It was an enjoyable experience and the system worked fantastically! The team was really positive about it and 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!
The Deputy CEO:
IPO’s Deputy CEO, Andy Bartlett, has led on the Transformation Programme from the very beginning, so we knew this would be a special moment for him, too. It was no surprise when he described it as a “game changer” not only for the IPO but also for our customers.
This 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.
The Programme Lead:
Natasha Chick, IPO’s Divisional Director of Transformation, has been programme lead on the Transformation journey since 2022. She was delighted:
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.
The Divisional Director of Patents:
As the Divisional Director of Patents, Julyan Elbro is the service owner for the new service. He acknowledges that the first filing moment was the culmination of “a lot of hard work by a lot of people” in terms of getting the system built, so was understandably very pleased to witness the first filing, first hand:
I’m really grateful to Murgitroyd for putting one of their applications through the system. It’s a real application, and it’s going to go through and be processed on our new systems by our examiners. It’s a really exciting moment and I’m really pleased to have seen it happen!
View the video below:
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