During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office is committed to ensure the continuity of its services, enabling their customers the most efficient and effective interaction.
The majority of their patent services are already available to be accessed digitally via the IPO website or EPO online filing software, services such as filing and amendment of patent applications.
There are other aspects which relied upon the post, these include the transmission of patent examination reports and letters, although this is now being reviewed. The UKIPO have created an email address which is available to be used instead of faxing and posting documents, paperformcontingency@ipo.gov.uk
Whilst the above is being reviewed, the UKIPO will begin emailing copies of patent examination reports to the email address provided on Form 10 requesting the examination. They will also begin emailing pre-publication patent reports including the initial formalities examination reports and search reports, the email address on Form 9 will be used for this.
Any updates from the UKIPO can be found on the following news page which will be updated as the situation changes.
Article Published March 27th, 2020
