Statutory guidance

Guidance and notes on the changes to the patents forms to align with the One IPO digital service

Published 31 March 2026

(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 the Directions. Therefore, all the definitions set out in the Patents Act 1977 (as amended) apply to these Directions. Further, amongst other things, generally any words importing the masculine gender include the feminine and words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

(c) Section 123(2A) of the Patents Act allows the Comptroller to direct any forms the use of which is required by rules.

(d) The following forms have been directed:

  • Patents Forms 1, 7, 9A and 10 as a combined form

  • Patents Forms 3, 8, 8A, 12, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 28, 30, 34, 49, 51, 52, SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6.

(e) These forms have been revised to align with the One IPO digital service and, where necessary, to show the fees payable from 1 April 2026 as prescribed by The Intellectual Property Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments, Revocation and Transitional Provisions) Rules 2026 (SI 2026/183).

(f) The Patents Form AF1 and the Patents Form NP1 have also been revised to align with the One IPO digital service and to show the fees payable from 1 April 2026; however, as non-statutory forms they are not directed.

(g) All UK Designs Forms, UK Patents Forms and UK Trade Marks Forms (and information about associated fees) are available from our website.

(h) 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