One IPO Patents Service to launch on 31 March 2026
New UK patents service will open to the public on 31 March - here's what to expect ahead of the launch.
New service offers a faster, modern way to apply for and manage UK patents
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) plans to open its new One IPO Patents Service to all users on 31 March 2026, offering a faster and more modern way to apply for and manage UK patents.
The One IPO Patents Service is currently in private testing but is expected to launch at the end of the month, following a final assessment. More businesses will be invited to create accounts, and anyone applying for a patent will be able to sign up from the apply for a patent page on GOV.UK.
The service will let you view and update your UK patents in one place and see changes to your rights almost in real time. The IPO says applications and requests made through One IPO will usually be handled faster than those sent via Web Filing or email.
Changes to filing routes
From 1 April 2026, you will no longer be able to file UK patents using the European Patent Office’s Online Filing (eOLF) system. The IPO is encouraging users of eOLF and Web Filing to start using the One IPO Patents Service now so they can get used to it before eOLF closes.
You can still use Web Filing or email for now, but these older services will be phased out over time. At launch, UK patent applications can be filed through One IPO, while European and international (PCT) applications must continue to be filed through the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) systems.
Help to move to One IPO
The IPO has published short demonstration videos showing how to use the new service and will run a webinar with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) on 26 March 2026, followed by weekly online training sessions after Easter.
Roadmap of improvements
The IPO has set out a roadmap of improvements before and after launch, including fixing publishing delays, speeding up internal processing, improving correspondence, and adding more options to manage applications and payments online over the first 12 months.
Find out more about preparing for the One IPO Patent Service.
First published 10 March 2026