File Documents for a Pending Patent
There are several reasons why you may need to file documents for a pending UK patent application. For example, you may need to supply new information or add an extra development to an invention.
The Intellectual Property Office service allows you to complete a form online or send additional documents. But, it only applies to existing patent applications (e.g. a patent pending).
Once you have a UK patent application number you will be able to perform several functions online, such as:
- Pay for a patent application (if not already paid).
- Provide a statement of inventorship and of right to grant of a patent.
- Request searches (e.g. a supplementary or further search).
- Request a 'substantive examination'. A different section explains how to request your search and examination when patenting an invention.
- Pay a grant fee (if the Intellectual Property Office requests it).
- Make a request for an extension to a prescribed time limit and then upload any supporting document or evidence.
Note: You need an email address to use the Intellectual Property Office service. You can use a credit or a debit card to pay the fees. Opening an IPO deposit account helps you meet any last-minute payment deadlines.
Documentation You Can Upload
You would need to include a covering letter in PDF format with along with any documents you send to the IPO.
The different types of documents you can upload to support an existing patent application include:
- An abstract (if not already filed with the application)
- Claims (if not already filed with the application)
- Language translations of priority documents
- Replacement or amended (pre-grant only) pages of the specification
- Search reports issued by other patent offices
- Sequence listings
Note: You can save sequence listings as .txt files, but all other documents must be in Portable Document Format (PDF). The IPO service for filing subsequent documents is unavailable from 1am to 3am daily (UK time).
Sending Documents by Post or Fax
Being able to send printed forms and any supporting documents by post or by fax is useful if you did not already send them with the original application.
Application Forms
Depending on your needs, there are several different forms you would need to download and fill in, including:
- Form AF1 (pay an application fee for patent application)
- Form 7 (statement of inventorship and of right to grant of a patent)
- Form 9A (request for a search, supplementary search, or further search)
- Form 10 (make a request for a substantive examination)
- Form 52 (make a request to extend a prescribed time limit)
Note: The IPO issue a standard fee sheet for use with UK designs, patents, and trade marks. You must include a fee sheet with any payments. The sheets contain further information on how to pay.
Supporting Documents
The types of supporting documents that you can file to the IPO with pending patents, include:
- An abstract (if not already filed with the application)
- Claims (if not already filed with the application)
- Replacement or amended (pre-grant only) pages of the specification
- Language translations of priority documents
- Search reports issued by other patent offices
- Sequence listings
Note: If you send any supporting documents you will need to include a covering letter that contains your patent application number.
Sending Documents by Post
You can send forms and documents by postal methods to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
Sending Documents by Fax
You can also fax copies of the forms and documents.
Intellectual Property Office
Fax: 01633 817 777
Information on call charges.
File Documents for an Existing Patent Application in United Kingdom