Services

Find registered patents, patent applications and pending patents

What intellectual property is, how you can protect it, and which of copyright, patents, design right and trade marks applies to your work

• What intellectual property is

  Having the right type of intellectual property protection helps you to…

• Protect your intellectual property

  Protecting your intellectual property makes it easier to take legal action…

A patent registers your invention and lets you take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports your invention without your permission.

• Overview

  A UK patent may help if you want to take legal action against someone who…

• Before you apply

  Only apply for a patent if: you’ve checked your invention does not already…

• Prepare your application

  A patent application must include: a description of your invention that…

• File your initial application

  You must have prepared your documents before applying. Your initial…

• After you apply

  Once you’ve filed an application you’ll get a receipt with your…

• Search, publication and 'substantive examination'

  Before your patent can be granted the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)…

• When a patent is granted

  If your patent is granted: your application will be published in its final…

Check the patents journal to find UK-registered patents granted, published and filed

Renew and pay for a GB or European patent online - when renewal is due, fees, renew by post or phone instead

What to do if you think someone's used your intellectual property without permission - types of intellectual property abuse, help resolving disputes and further legal action you can take.

Use this online service to complete a form or send additional documents for a UK patent you've already applied for (a patent pending)

Get certified or uncertified copies of your patent, trade mark or design registration documents to prove that you have intellectual property rights.

Buy or get someone's permission to use a patent, trade mark, design or work under copyright

Use this form to apply to register a change of ownership or give notice of rights acquired in a patent or in an application for a patent.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Use this form to request a correction or change to a name or address for a patent at the Intellectual Property Office.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Keep your details up to date in the patent register, tell the Intellectual Property Office about a change of owner or make a change to your patent

Search for decisions from patent hearings

Use this form to request the grant of a patent.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Use this form to register an appointment or change of agent.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Request UK processing of your international patent if you've already made a Patent Cooperation Treaty application

Use this form to pay the renewal fee (and any additional fee for late payment).

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Fee sheet for patent corporation treaty (PCT) applications made through the Intellectual Property Office.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Use this form to request a search on a patent application.

• From: Intellectual Property Office

Use this form to request a certificate of the Comptroller or a certified or uncertified copy from a file or the register.

• From: Intellectual Property Office