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Request Processing of International Patents

You can request UK processing of a Patent Cooperation Treaty application. This guide explains how to process an international patent application in United Kingdom and the cost.

The first step is to make an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Following that, you can get it processed in the UK national phase to secure a UK patent.

A request for UK processing must take place within 31 months of (either):

  • The filing date of the international application (if no claim is made for priority).
  • The priority date (if the international application claims priority from an earlier application).

To apply online, besides a contact email address, you will also need:

  • Details of the completed international PCT application (including any supporting documents in PDF format).
  • Either a debit or credit card for payment (or an IPO deposit account).
  • A translation of the international application (unless filed and published in English language).

Note: The table shows the cost to request UK processing of an international patent application. But, requesting a search and a ‘substantive examination’ is also a requirement to get it processed in the United Kingdom.

Current Fees when Applying Online

Different Types of Applications Cost to Apply Online
Begin the national phase (UK) of an international application for a patent £30
Search (for applications already searched internationally) £120 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims)
Search (for any other application) £150 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims)
Substantive examination £100 (plus £10 for each page of description over 35 pages)

Note: You must fill in Online Form NP1 to request entry into the UK national phase via the Intellectual Property Office service. The service is unavailable between 1am and 3am (UK time zone).

Applying by Postal Method

You can also choose to apply by post if you prefer. You would need to use postal methods to pay by bank transfer, cash, cheque, or through a deposit account.

If you request UK processing of an international patent application by post you will need to download:

  • Form NP1 to request national processing of an international application for a patent (UK).
  • Form 9A to request for search.
  • Form 10 to make a request for a substantive examination.

Fill in the relevant forms and send them with your payment to:

Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ

Current Fees to Apply by Post

Different Types of applications Cost to Apply by Post
Begin the national phase (UK) of an international application for a patent £30
Search (for applications already searched internationally) £150 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims)
Search (for any other application) £180 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims)
Substantive examination £130 (plus £10 for each page of description over 35 pages)

Related Guides:

Patents explained UK
How to patent your invention
How to search for a patent

Note: The IPO issues guidance on how to file documents and the options for submitting them at the Newport and London Offices.

How to Request the UK Processing of an International Patent Application