Removal of expired email addresses explanatory note
Published 19 January 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-expired-email-addresses/removal-of-expired-email-addresses-explanatory-note
The following directions are believed to be all those affected.
1. Direction: withdrawal of patent applications by e-mail of 7 April 2003
2. Directions on requesting an extension of time by e-mail of 23 December 2004
3. Directions on observations concerning the patentability of an invention of 17 May 2005
4. Direction: submitting opinion observations by electronic means of 7 September 2005
Nevertheless, the varying direction is drafted in general terms to cater for the possibility of the expired email domains occurring in other directions.
The directions listed above all provide the relevant current email address (with the domain name of “ipo.gov.uk”), so there is no need for any further adjustment to them.
Any queries about this direction should be addressed to Legal Section via the IPO’s Customer Support Centre. Email information@ipo.gov.uk or telephone 0300 300 2000.