The UK is a global hub for innovation. Here, you will find a brief guide about the filing procedures, routes and fees for Patent Filing in United Kingdom.
Patent Filing in United Kingdom: The Routes
If you are seeking a patent in United Kingdom, there are 4 options:
1. Direct Filing with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
- This route allows you to file a patent application with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
- If granted, the patent shall be valid in United Kingdom only.
2. International Filing via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- Using the PCT route, you can file a single patent application simultaneously in a number of countries.
- PCT has 152 Contracting States and is administered by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
- The granting of a patent in United Kingdom remains under the control of the IPO, i.e “national phase”.
3. Filing in EU via European Patent Convention (EPC)
- The EPC route allows you to file a patent application with the European Patent Office (EPO).
- EPC has 38 contracting states.
- The granting of a patent in United Kingdom remains under the control of the IPO.
4. Filing via Euro-PCT
- This is an extension to PCT only, with the exception that the procedure focuses on the elements specific to the PCT procedure before the EPO.
- The provisions of the PCT and its Regulations (“the PCT Rules”) apply, supplemented by the provisions of the EPC.
- In case of conflict between the provisions of the EPC and the PCT, the PCT prevails.
- The granting of a patent in United Kingdom remains under the control of the IPO, i.e “national phase”.
Filing Requirements (IPO): Overview
Your patent application needs to comprise of 4 parts that must include:
- A technical description of the invention (including a list of reference signs, if need be)
- Patent claims
- An abstract
- Drawings (if necessary)
Filing Options (IPO)
You can file your application offline with the IPO or use the e-filing system.
Offline Filing
You can mail your application at the following address:
Intellectual Property Office
Concept House, Cardiff Road
Newport, South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom
E-filing
You can use the Online filing system in the IPO website. The same route can be used to file a European (transmission to the EPA) or international (transmission to WIPO) patent application with the IPO.
Patent Fees: Overview
| Action | Online Fee | Offline Fee |
| Patent Application (immediate payment) | £60 | £90 |
| Patent Application (delayed payment) | £75 | £112.50 |
| Search | £150 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims) | £180 (plus £20 for each claim over 25 claims) |
| Substantive examination | £100 (plus £10 for each page of description over 35 pages) | £130 (plus £10 for each page of description over 35 pages) |
For more information, visit the Forms and Fees page on the IPO website.