In 2021, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) announced a five-year digital transformation programme - One IPO – that would modernise the UKIPO’s current processes, systems and services. #
Now, the first stage of this transformation comes to life, and Murgitroyd had the privilege of welcoming the UKIPO to our Southampton office for the occasion, and filed the inaugural patent application through the new UKIPO Portal for patents. The service, launching in 2025, is currently in its pilot phase, where a small number of customers have been invited to use it.
The Benefits of One IPO #
When announced, the UKIPO stated that One IPO will not just replicate and modernise UKIPO’s current processes, systems and services. It will completely transform the way they are delivered to make the most of modern digital technology.
At the heart of One IPO is a single, central, integrated system where all registered IP rights – patents, trade marks and designs - will be saved and accessed to improve efficiency and protection of intellectual property.
In addition to exploring keywords and data in more detail, this new portal will also allow users to manage and track all patent applications in real-time, enabling better clarity and control of a person or company’s IP.
What this Means for Future Patent Applications #
Those at Murgitroyd who were involved in filing this first patent application were Chief Compliance Officer, Thomas Gibb and Director, Catherine Bonner. On the transformation project they commented:
“This new portal will help to streamline processes and help us work with the UKIPO more efficiently. It will also enable us to supply up-to-date status updates on patent applications, providing more clarity and transparency to our clients and overseas agents, which can only enhance client relationships further.”
Upcoming One IPO Transformations #
In addition to getting first access to this new system for patents, we are also working with the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) as a liaison with the UKIPO on the trade mark side of the system, to ensure that the One IPO portal meets the needs required for trade mark applications and for trade mark management too. Christine Bett is Murgitroyd’s representative on the CITMA UKIPO Transformation Programme Working Group, with the digital trade mark services anticipated to launch during 2025.
For more information on One IPO, see this article from the UKIPO or watch this video from the day.
