Timescales for the examination of patents
Published 10 July 2018
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1. Overview
The Office currently has a backlog of unprocessed work. As a result, substantive examination reports are issuing later than we would like. The rate at which we are able to process the backlog varies depending on subject area and Office capacity. The Office sets a target for completing first examinations. The current target prioritises processing of the oldest examinations.
2. Current target
The Office target is to complete 95% of substantive examinations within 48 months (4 years) of the request for an examination using Form 10.
This target is reviewed in April each year and may be updated. The date your examination is completed may vary depending on technology area.
3. Acceleration
If you would like your application to be examined urgently, you may request ‘accelerated examination’. See our Patents fast grant guidance.
4. Target for re-examination of patent applications
Re-examinations of patent applications are not covered by this target. These are covered by a separate timeliness target for re-examination of patent applications.