Guidance and notes on Directions for the use of the One IPO Digital Services
Published 1 April 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/directions-for-the-use-of-the-one-ipo-digital-services/guidance-and-notes-on-directions-for-the-use-of-the-one-ipo-digital-services
Introduction
(a) These notes are not part of the directions. They are intended to provide background and additional information.
(b) The Interpretation Act 1978 applies to these directions. Therefore, all the definitions set out in the Patents Act 1977 (“the Act”) apply to these directions. Further, amongst other things, generally any words indicating the masculine gender include the feminine and words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.
(c) Section 124A of the Patents Act allows the Comptroller to direct the form and manner in which electronic documents are to be delivered to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Filing patent applications electronically
(d) A requirement of the Act to do something in a prescribed manner is satisfied in respect of electronic documents only if any applicable directions are complied with (see section 124A(14) of the Act). The filing of patent applications must be done in the prescribed manner (see section 14(1) of the Act); hence, electronic patent applications must be filed in accordance with applicable directions given under s.124A.
(e) These directions allow patent applications to be filed using the ‘Apply for a patent’ online service provided through GOV.UK.
(f) There are other directions which allow patent applications to be filed using the pre-existing web filing service and by email. Those services will continue for a transitional period. The IPO will provide three months’ notice of the closure of the services.
Filing other documents electronically
(g) Where any document is submitted in a form or manner which does not comply with the directions, the comptroller may treat the document as not having been delivered (see section 124A(3) of the Act).
(h) These directions allow subsequent documents relating to patent applications to be filed using the ‘Apply for a patent’ online service.
(i) These directions also allow patents and patent applications to be managed by using the ‘Manage intellectual property’ online service provided through GOV.UK.
(j) Both services contain instructions and checks which support users to comply with the directions.
Filing European and International patent applications
(k) The ‘Apply for a patent’ service provides for the filing of domestic UK (known as “GB”) patent applications.
(l) Applications for European Patents may be filed digitally using the Online Filing 2.0 service provided by the European Patent Office (EPO).
(m) Applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty may be filed using the ePCT service provided by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The UK may be selected as the receiving office.
Overview of the One IPO digital services
(n) A customer account allows a user to view and action their portfolio of patents and applications.
(o) Payment is by debit or credit card or by deposit account held with the Intellectual Property Office. Where a fee is required, it must be paid in full when completing the action which gives rise to the fee.
(p) Significant events, such as the filing of documents or a change to the Register of Patents, are confirmed by an email sent to the user, as well as being recorded in the customer account.
(q) Where the user is associated with an organisation, the confirmation email may also be sent to a central email address provided by the organisation for that purpose.
(r) When a patent is renewed, the confirmation email is sent to the email address provided for that purpose by the user who renews the patent.
Using One IPO for the first time
(s) A GOV.UK One Login is needed to create an IPO customer account.
Preparation of documents
(t) The description and claims documents should be in DOCX or ODT file format. Any drawings documents should be in the PDF file format. Any sequence listings should comply with the WIPO standard ST.26.
(u) The description and claims documents should not contain version histories or tracked changes.
(v) Whilst the description and claims themselves must not contain “tracked changes,” users may continue the helpful practice of indicating amendments made to the description or claims by submitting supporting copies with tracked changes.
(w) However, “comments” should not be used in any document.
(x) If a DOCX or ODT document contains a hyperlink, the full URL should be presented in the text so that it remains available when the document is printed to paper.
(y) As a matter of good practice, users are encouraged to routinely remove hidden data (including any version history) and personal information from all electronic documents before submitting them.
(z) Any queries about these Directions should be addressed to Legal Section via any of the following means.
Email: information@ipo.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 300 2000
Or by post to:
Legal Section,
Intellectual Property Office,
Concept House,
Cardiff Road,
Newport,
South Wales,
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom