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Guidance and regulation

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From Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
  • The Patents Act 1977 is the main law governing the patents system in the UK.

  • Around 40% of series applications don’t meet the requirements. We recommend you read this guide if you are considering making a series application.

  • List of design forms and fees.

  • Licensing bodies and collective management organisations can agree licences with users on behalf of owners and collect any royalties the owners are owed.

  • Examples of unacceptable trade marks around protected emblems, internet domain names and your company name.

  • To protect your trade mark outside of the UK, you usually need to apply in each country you want protection in.

  • Benefit from your trade mark by licensing, mortgaging, selling, transferring ownership, merging and exploit by marketing.

  • This explains the rules governing address for service for intellectual property rights in the UK.

  • Intellectual property can be bought, sold or licensed.

  • How to write a description for a patent application.

  • We have a number of options for you to submit your documents.

  • Sections (3.01 - 3.101) last updated: January 2025.

  • How to get permission to copy a creative work for which the right holder(s) cannot be found ie an orphan work.

  • Information on the improvements we’re making to the patents service, including upcoming improvements and the latest updates.

  • Sections (18.01 - 18.99) last updated: July 2026.

  • Finding the right advice and advisor is the first step in making the best decisions for your invention or business.

  • The principal legislation on copyright can be found in the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  • To protect your invention outside of the UK, you usually need to apply in each country you want protection in.

  • The Trade Marks Act 1994 make up part of the trade mark legislation in the UK.

  • Guidance for copyright owners on how to grant a licence for, sell or market their work.