Alterations to services – patents

New patent applications and subsequently filed documents

For new patent applications and certain subsequently filed documents you should use our online systems. Delays should be expected for any other form of filing.

Patent applications and national security

All new patent applications where directions under section 22 of the Act (National Security) applies or could apply will be given the date of receipt as a provisional filing date. The applications will be stored securely until the office reopens. It will not be possible for us to process section 22 applications while the office remains closed.

Screening of patent applications filed either in paper or using our electronic filing service is now operating as normal. We can issue directions under section 22 on new applications and issue permits for filing patent applications abroad (under section 23), if necessary, only on those applications where directions under section 22 have not previously been given.

We are aware that the process for transmitting applications abroad via the diplomatic bag service is likely to be severely disrupted. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead wherever possible.

International applications (PCT)

If you have filed or are thinking of filing a new PCT application we are doing the following to help:

• waiving the late surcharge fee if you do not pay your fees when filing your PCT application

• using existing PCT regulations to excuse delays in meeting deadlines due to the impact of COVID-19, e.g. rule 82 quater

• corresponding digitally where possible as we know that many of you are working from home. WIPO are also no longer using postal services as a means of communication during this period

• we are speaking to WIPO and other IP Offices about ways we can help customers during this difficult time.

Time periods for reply

All deadlines which fall within the current period of interruption will be extended to the first non-interrupted day.

Requests to the IPO

For some services, we have dedicated email accounts to deal with certain requests:

IPO correspondence

We are unable to post out correspondence relating to patent applications. We are sending certain correspondence by email to the email address provided by the applicant or their representative on the relevant official form or otherwise. The following are examples of the patent documents that we can email out:

• preliminary examination reports

• Search and Combined Search and Examination (CSE) reports (we are not able to email out copies of any citations)

• notification of forthcoming A and B publication

• examination reports

• intention to grant letters.

There will be a delay in receiving some documents that we cannot currently email out. Paper copies of these documents will be issued once we are able to post out correspondence:

Journal and publication

Publishing and granting of new patent applications will continue within usual time frames. However, customers are encouraged to view IPSUM to check the status and access post publication information on their patent applications.

The searchable journal will continue to be updated each week advertising newly filed patent applications, A Publications and Granted applications.

Read the original advice at Foreign Travel Advice (UK)