The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched its new suite of digital patents services, marking a major milestone in its "One IPO" transformation programme. The ultimate goal is to bring all UK patents, trademarks, and registered designs onto a single, unified digital platform.

Following the January 2025 rollout of the "One IPO Search" and patent journal tools, this phase introduces two core digital services designed to streamline workflow:

1. Manage Intellectual Property

This service introduces a digital IP account for patent customers.

• Users can view and track the real-time status of their UK patents.
  

• It enables quick, digital self-service updates and changes to existing portfolios.
  

• Patent renewals can now be fully managed and paid for directly through this account.
  

2. Apply for a Patent

A modernized, highly collaborative digital application system.

• Flexible Drafting: Applicants can complete forms in any order, save drafts, and collaborate with team members in real time.
  

• Account Tracking: Progress, application details, and official updates are centralized and easily accessible within the user's account.
  

Onboarding for Professionals vs. Public

• IP Firms & Corporate Teams: The IPO has already pre-configured accounts for most established firms. An designated account administrator must log in and invite the rest of the team. Professionals are advised not to create new accounts from scratch on GOV.UK without checking internal access first.
  

• Third-Party Renewal Pros: If you only handle renewals, you can set up a standalone GOV.UK account without linking it to a specific firm, as anyone is permitted to pay renewal fees.
  

Legacy Transitions & Phasing Out

The IPO is running a transition period before retiring its older channels:

• Web Filing & Email Submissions: The existing Web Filing system and standard email submissions (forms@ipo.gov.uk and pateot@ipo.gov.uk) will remain active until at least summer 2026, with a strict three-month notice period before decommissioning.
  

• eOLF Shutdown: Effective immediately, UK patent applications can no longer be submitted via the European Patent Office’s Electronic Online Filing (eOLF) system, which lost technical support earlier this year.

  
  

Feature written by Kushraj Singh, Senior Legal Correspondent, The Global IP Magazine.

Email Kushraj: newsdesk@northonsprmarketing.com