Annual Technical Report on Patent Information Activities in 2023 submitted by Intellectual Property Office
Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish. Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired. If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.
URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:
I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN PATENT INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of patent information activities and expected time frames for their realization
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is undertaking a five-year programme to transform our services and provide a single, integrated system for all IP rights. Further information can be found at One IPO Transformation: the story so far - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies and plans mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks
See entry above in relation to the transformation of our IP services.
Main areas of patent information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year
See entry above in relation to the transformation of our IP services.
Statistics: changes in terms of application filings and grants with respect to previous year; trends or areas experiencing rapid changes
Applications for national UK patents increased by 7% between 2019 and 2020, with 20,652 applications in 2020, compared with 2019’s 19,245. Of these, the proportion of applications from UK residents decreased slightly, from 63% in 2019 to 58% in 2020. The number of patents granted in 2020 was 64% higher than in 2019, rising from 5948 to 9772, and this is reflective our commitment to reduce our examination backlogs through increased processing of our oldest examination requests.
Other matters and useful links (URLs): annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.
Research and statistics, this includes information on statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics?departments%5B%5D=intellectual-property-office&parent=intellectual-property-office
Transparency and freedom of information of information, this includes information on annual reports, annual reviews and figures: https://www.gov.uk/search/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases?organisations%5B%5D=intellectual-property-office&parent=intellectual-property-office
Information on filing, including Patents application guide and other materials, is available from the following web page: https://www.gov.uk/patent-your-invention
The procedure after filing, including publication, examination and grant is described at: https://www.gov.uk/patent-your-invention
Information regarding dispute resolution, including hearings, mediation and opinions may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-mediationhttps://www.gov.uk/opinions-resolving-patent-disputes
Results of past patent decisions are available at: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-challenge-decision-results.htm
Information on how applicants may appeal is provided at: https://www.gov.uk/patent-disputes-resolution-hearings
Other business procedures such as the Patents Act, finding patents, how we classify and renewals are covered by web pages accessible from the main Patents portal: https://www.gov.uk/topic/intellectual-property/patents
A link to the EPO search dataset Espacenet is provided from the online patent services portal: https://www.gov.uk/search-for-patent
Details of published UK applications and patents may be searched by publication or application number at: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum.htm
UK patent journal applications register may be searched by publication date at: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-find-publication.htm
II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO PATENT INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) - URLs
Information on filing, including Patents application guide and other materials, is available from the following web page: https://www.gov.uk/topic/intellectual-property/patents
Availability of the application dossier in electronic form
Details of published UK applications and patents may be searched by publication or application number at: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum.htm
Classification1, preclassification2 (if applicable), reclassification3 activities; classification systems used (e.g., International Patent Classification (IPC)); matters concerning indexing of patent information
All UK patent applications are classified in the IPC and CPC. Pre-classification (i.e. allocation of applications to examining groups) is done manually at subclass level using the CPC, with AI tool assistance. Clusters of subclasses provide the basis for the structure of examining divisions and groups. Where necessary, IPC and CPC reclassification is performed prior to publication to ensure the validity of symbols upon A publication and B publication (grant). The UK IPO does not reclassify documentation after publication.
Abstracting, reviewing, and translation of the information contained in patent documents
Our staff can translate any document into English using translation software made available by the European Patent Office and other national patent offices. Patent examiners check all patent abstracts provided by the applicant and amend them where necessary to ensure they form a useful search tool.
Other activities
The IPO is an active participant in the work of the IPC Union Committee of Experts and the IPC Revision Working Group, and regularly participates in discussions with other offices in these fora to contribute to the continuous development of the IPC.
III. SOURCES OF PATENT INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Main types of publications of the Office (patent applications, full text, first pages, abstracts, bibliographic data, granted patents, etc.), medium (on paper, on CDs, online - URLs)
(1) PDF
A-documents
These are prepared in-house in a 5 week publication cycle using a bespoke IT system linked to PDAX (the IPO’s electronic case management system).
The front page is compiled by downloading bibliographic data (XML format) from the corporate database COPS and is married with the abstract text from our internal examiner database (PROSE). The abstract drawing is extracted from PDAX and merged to finalise the front page. The finished front page is added to the rest of the specification pages from PDAX and reproduced in a single PDF image. The PDF image is then loaded onto the IPO’s publication server on our external website for customer download.
The IPO no longer publishes “A” documents in paper format, the official publication means being electronic (please see the following link): https://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/patent/p-os/p-find/p-find-publication.htm).
The PDF A documents are then transferred via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to the EPO. This is done on a weekly basis and includes a separate ST.36 XML file for the bibliographical and full text abstract data.
B-Documents
These are prepared in-house in a 5 week publication cycle using a bespoke IT system linked to PDAX (the IPO’s electronic case management system).
The front page is compiled by downloading bibliographic data (XML format) from the corporate database COPS and merged with the rest of the specification pages from PDAX and reproduced in a single PDF image.
The PDF image is then loaded onto the IPO’s publication server on our external website for customer download. The IPO no longer publishes “B” documents in paper format; the official publication means being electronic (see the following link): https://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/patent/p-os/p-find/p-find-publication.htm).
The PDF B documents are then transferred via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to the EPO. This is done on a weekly basis and includes a separate ST.36 XML file for the bibliographical data.
Corrected ‘Errata’-Documents (A8, A9, B8 & C)
These are prepared in-house in a 2 week publication cycle using a bespoke IT system linked to PDAX (the IPO’s electronic case management system).
The front page is compiled by downloading bibliographic data (XML format) from the corporate database COPS and merged with the rest of the specification pages from PDAX and reproduced in a single PDF image. The PDF image is then loaded onto the IPO’s publication server on our external website for customer download. The IPO no longer publishes “errata” documents in paper format, the official publication means being electronic (please see the following link: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/patent/p-os/p-find/p-find-publication.htm).
The PDF Errata documents are then transferred via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to the EPO. This is done on a weekly basis and includes a separate ST.36 XML file for the bibliographical data.
(2) Patents and Designs Journal (PDJ) and the on-line e-Patents Journal.
Up until 26th March 2008, the official notices and selected bibliographic data relating to UK patent applications and granted patents were published in the official weekly electronic newspaper called the Patents and Designs Journal (PDJ) on the date of publication, and are available on our website in PDF format.
From 5 March 2008 the e-Patents Journal became searchable online, and may be downloaded in PDF or XML formats. It also includes a back-file of the UK applications filed section from 26th July 2006. The Patents Journal and archived PDJs may be accessed from: https://www.gov.uk/check-the-patents-journal
(3) ESPACENET, EPOQUE etc.
The full text, drawings and bibliographic data of all newly published UK patent applications and granted patents is published on the EPOQUE system soon after the domestic publication date.
Espacenet is a free internet service which contains a number of different patent collections. GB patents published from 1895 and Granted from 2002 are available through the worldwide database, please see: https://worldwide.espacenet.com/
Official Gazettes: main types of announcements, frequency of publication, medium (on paper, on CDs, online - URL), etc.
Up until 26th March 2008 the official notices and selected bibliographic data relating to UK patent applications and granted patents were published in the official weekly electronic newspaper called the Patents and Designs Journal (PDJ) on the date of publication, and are available on our website in PDF format.
From 5 March 2008 the e-Patents Journal became searchable online and may be downloaded in PDF or XML formats. It also includes a back-file of the UK applications filed section from 26 July 2006. The Patents Journal and archived PDJs may be accessed from: https://www.gov.uk/check-the-patents-journal
In relation to the dissemination of more general notices regarding patents and other IPR, our website: (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office) plays an important role. In particular, we frequently hold consultations with our community of users. However, we continue to place such announcements in our on-line e-Patents Journal, which is available without charge on our website.
Website statistics are available here: https://www.gov.uk/performance/site-activity-intellectual-property-office
Information products and patent document collections (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external collections and databases
We have a long list of external databases that we use regularly, including EPODOC, Derwent’s World Patent Index and CAS ONLINE, as well as other specialised chemical, biotech, electrical and other databases, such as defensive publications. We interrogate these databases using a number of online hosts that we subscribe to, including EPOQUEnet, STN and others. As of 2023 we have implemented and are being to use Ansera based Search (AbS) the EPO’s replacement for EPOQUENet.
Our official policy is that a worldwide search should be carried out as part of every patent search done in this office.
Examiners are encouraged to access National Patent Office Organisation websites as necessary to search collections of patent documents, or to retrieve family member search and examination reports (e.g. EPO, USPTO, WIPO).
Information products and patent document collections (coverage, medium, etc.) available to external users, conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)
Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment. In addition, we also have a front office in London where customers can file any correspondence for the attention of the Office.
Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)
Legal status information is contained on the UK patent register. Information relating to published applications and patents may be searched by publication or application number at: https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum.htm
This data is complete for all UK national applications in force in the UK and granted EP (UK) applications which are in force.
The Patent Journal, available at https://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/patent/p-os/p-journal/p-pj, also includes details of UK and EP(UK) patent applications, as well as other information such as other proceedings before the IPO, SPCs and corrections.
Other sources
Nothing to report.
IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO PATENT INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements
Microsoft Windows 10 provides an integrated and extensive network of applications that are available to all staff. Office 365 provides access to a suite of applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint; all major classification keys that are used by the examiners are accessible, as are office notices, manuals, search tools including access to online databases, translation software, management and administration information etc.
There is also a bibliographical register (COPS) which runs on a Windows based platform and is written in Microfocus Cobol, a VB.NET database (PAFS) for recording file movement data and examining group statistics, and automated production of search and examination reports using the PROSE system. We also have a PDAX electronic case file system whereby all the documents relating to patent applications are available electronically to examiners at their desktop.
The Office intranet contains a very large collection of essential information for staff, including search and classification tools.
The ability for the automated printing of patent documents cited in search reports was removed in March 2020 as part of a review of our legacy IT estate. Staff can still request copies of non-patent literature to support their search and examinations.
Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office
Staff access their Windows 10 desktop using a Microsoft Surface Pro device which connects to 24 inch wide screen monitors via a dock.
Internal databases: coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources
Register and legal status information is stored on our bibliographical register (COPS), as are a number of types of statistics. Examining group statistics, file movements etc., are recorded using a VB.NET system called PAFS (see previous entry above). In addition, we use an in-house system called PDAX to electronically store and access our patent application case files. The databases referred to are updated continuously and views of the data contained on COPS and PDAX are made externally available via our website.
Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file: file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file
GB patent bibliographic data is available electronically and may be searched on our COPS database. Published GB patent specifications may be accessed and searched via EPOQUE and from our on-line publication server, see "Main types of publication" above.
Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)
See entry in relation to internal databases.
Other matters
Nothing to report.
- PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF PATENT INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
Patent library: equipment, collection management, network of patent libraries in the country, cooperation with foreign patent libraries
The UK Patent Library (PatLib) network is part of the 340-strong European Network of Patent Information Centres, managed by the European Patent Office.
The UK PATLIB Network’s main aims are: -
- To enable easy access to IP information locally;
- To provide an effective, efficient IP information service to the general public and businesses.
The UK IPO supports the UK Patlib Network who provide local access to guidance and support through a network of 25 centres based within city centre libraries. The centres have trained, experienced staff to provide practical support to businesses, such as database searching. A recent evaluation of the centres demonstrated that they had supported 48,725 people in 2022/23, providing IP information guidance and support to new prestart, start-up and growing businesses.
The majority of the UK PatLibs are part of the national network of Business & IP Centres (BIPC), which was started by the British Library in 2012 in partnership with the IPO. The network now consists of 21 established centres, located across England and Scotland. The UK IPO works with the British Library to ensure all centres meet the PatLib requirements to deliver specialised IP services.
Training to deliver these services has been supplied by the IPO through the IP Master Class programme as well as ongoing individual training sessions as needed.
Publications related to different business procedures and patent information sources available to users, for example, books, brochures, Internet publications, etc.
Our main office is located in Newport, Wales, where the public can file applications and discuss possible IP protection with an IPO Advisor over the phone or in person via appointment. In addition, we also have a front office in London where customers can file any correspondence for the attention of the Office.
Information regarding patent procedures can be found on our website www.ipo.gov.uk
Office's initiatives on providing foreign patent information in the local language(s) (e.g., machine translation tools, translation of abstracts)
Nothing to report.
Cooperation with universities, research centers, technology and innovation support centers, etc.
The IPO works with universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs to improve understanding how to identify, manage, protect, and use IP to support careers, research, business, commercialisation, and collaboration. This includes the:
- IP Tutor and IP Tutor Plus resources targeting key subject disciplines, with independent and trainer-led resources for students, academics, and educators.
- IP for Research education programme to help researchers understand how IP fits into their research and the commercialisation process.
We are currently working with the sector to update our Intellectual Asset Management guidance designed to help university leaders and researchers make informed decisions about their IP.
The IPO’s resources are comprehensive and available in formats that can be tailored to specific needs. All our tools and guidance to support innovation and knowledge exchange are freely available at https://www.ipo.gov.uk/ip-support/
Education and training: training courses, e-learning modules (URLs), seminars, exhibitions, etc.
As the innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow, it is vital that students learn how to identify, use, and protect their IP as well as respect others' IP. We have a comprehensive strategy to build the IP critical skills needed to support careers, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. We believe it is important to educate people about IP across all levels and stages of education. We want students to start their careers equipped with an understanding of IP and for educators to have the skills to pass on that knowledge.
We have developed an IP Education Framework that sets out the IP knowledge needed across all levels and stages of education, from primary schools to higher education. To support use of the Framework, we produce and promote accessible, engaging resources for teachers to incorporate IP in core syllabus subjects. These free, curriculum-led lesson plans and resources have been co-created with educators and partners such as UK Music, Aardman Animations and the Industry Trust, to ensure they align with the school curriculum. Our education resources are available on our IP-Support Website at www.ipo.gov.uk/ip-support and resources specifically for schools can also be found at www.crackingideas.com.
We also work with international partners to promote the importance of IP education and exchange information on our respective approaches. We recently proposed a project to WIPO members on enhancing IP education capacities of artistic and creative academic institutions to equip youth with IP skills. The project was adopted on 1 May.
Our business outreach activities continue to help businesses make informed decisions how to use, manage, and enforce their IP to its full potential. This is done in a range of ways including attending in person and virtual events, delivering training, and working with partner organisations to integrate IP support into business support programmes. We also provide IP Masterclass training for businesses and business advisors. Courses are offered online, in person at the IPO’s main office and in regional locations.
In addition, the UK government is taking steps to support public sector understanding of IP and wider knowledge assets to inform government policy making and the management of public sector assets. The UK IPO is developing targeted government IP education programs to help upskill public sector workers and promote an understanding and appreciation of the importance of IP and IP rights to the innovation ecosystem.
We have developed a range of accessible and engaging digital tools to develop critical IP skills, encourage entrepreneurship and build a positive IP culture, so the value is understood, and IP is used effectively as an asset By adopting a ‘digital first’ approach we can increase the scope, scalability and reach of our tools to a diverse and global audience. https://www.gov.uk/ip-support/
Other activities
All marketing and PR carried out within the External Communications team is achieving great coverage particularly on our social networking platforms.
VI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF PATENT INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
International exchange and sharing of patent information in machine-readable form, e.g., priority documents, bibliographic data, abstracts, search reports, full text information
We apply all relevant WIPO standards including ST.8 for machine-readable records and ST.36 for xml transfer of bibliographic data.
In October 2009 we launched a Patents Digital Access Service for the digital preparation and transfer of patent priority documents to WIPO. The service is free to electronic filers and will benefit both UK business and the IP community.
The service automatically prepares digital patent priority documents and securely stores them at WIPO for future use. This service removes the financial burden on our customers who currently pay National IP Offices to prepare priority documents for filing at other IP offices. Please see the following link for further information https://www.ipo.gov.uk/pro-types/pro-patent/pro-p-os/pro-p-apply-online-pdas.htm.
It is also possible to exchange priority documents in paper and on CD provided the appropriate electronic signature is provided.
Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to patent information
Assistance to developing countries
Nothing to report.
Other activities
The IPO provide reports to World Trade Organisation on TRIPS Agreement, TRIPS responses details work done with other offices and relate to all areas of IP, reporting on activities around technology transfer and technical cooperation.
VII. OTHER RELATED MATTERS
Please include any other relevant information here.
Nothing to report.
1.Classification is allotting one or more classification symbols (e.g., IPC symbols) to a patent application, either before or during search and examination, which symbols are then published with the patent application.
- Preclassification is allotting an initial broad classification symbol (e.g., IPC class or subclass, or administrative unit) to a patent application, using human or automated means for internal administrative purposes (e.g., routing an application to the appropriate examiner). Usually preclassification is applied by the administration of an office.
- Reclassification is the reconsideration and usually the replacement of one or more previously allotted classification symbols to a patent document, following a revision and the entry into force of a new version of the Classification system (e.g., the IPC). The new symbols are available on patent databases.