UK revamps online patent services

The UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a range of new services via its website.

Customers can now request an online certified copy of a patent application, and provide information about late declarations of priority, as part of an enhancement to the web-based service launched in June.

A new web filing service allows customers to request entry of an international patent application to its UK national phase.

Further enhancements over the next few months will let customers request and receive an uncertified office copy electronically, and file a selection of later filed forms and documents via the website.

"These new and enhanced services underline our commitment to provide customers with as much choice and as many options to do business with us as possible," said Sean Dennehey, director of patents at the UK Intellectual Property Office.