The “One IPO” platform is a major evolution in the digital services available through the UK Intellectual Property Office and aims to provide a unified filing and management system for intellectual property rights that promises to modernise how patent rights (and eventually trademark and design rights) are filed and prosecuted in the UK. Under the umbrella of the One IPO Transformation Programme, the UKIPO aims to offer a single online account through which users can apply for, manage, and update their IP rights in one place. In recent months, the roll out of the new system has gathered pace and a planned launch date of spring 2026 has been announced.
Most have been at least broadly aware of the changes coming at the UKIPO for some time, but with the planned launch date for One IPO approaching, it is imperative that users of the currently available filing systems at the UKIPO take time to understand the changes and begin to plan for transition. The UKIPO have in recent months issued supplemental information and advice with the aim of ensuring users are adequately prepared.
Key features
While all features may not be available at launch, under One IPO users will eventually enjoy a dedicated UKIPO online account allowing a portfolio-wide view, updates, and collaborative tools. One IPO will provide a digital application experience permitting users to save draft applications, upload sections of specifications in DocX or ODT rather than just PDF, and reuse stored account information. Address changes, representative changes, and ownership transfers will be handled online via One IPO. For patent rights holders and IP professionals, One IPO represents a significant streamlining. The expectation is a more user-friendly interface, fewer technical constraints, and better integration with internal workflows. The requirement to shift from PDF-only documents to machine‐readable formats supports better digital processing and reduces error rates.
What users should do now to prepare?
• Stay alert for the official launch date - No exact launch date has yet been set, a launch in spring 2026 for the patent service is the current target. The UKIPO will announce a launch date 6-8 weeks before the service launches. Announcements will be made on GOV.UK and via social media channels.
• Prepare to set up a UKIPO account – Many larger patent rights holders and representatives responsible for portfolios of 200 or more patent rights are already working directly with the UKIPO on account set up. Other users will be able to create accounts on launch.
• If you plan to utilise eOLF whilst still available, you must renew, install, and enrol your eOLF soft certificate.
• Users should ensure they have a clear understanding of the changes in regards to what systems may be used for filing, and relevant dates for retirement of some systems. Key takeaways include:
Supplementary Protection Certificates
The One IPO platform will also include the facility to apply for Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) and view SPC’s in your account. Essentially, upon selecting to submit an SPC, One IPO will instruct a user to download, complete, and upload a PDF form. However, it should be noted that at launch the SPC functionality will be limited in nature.
Conclusion
The One IPO filing system marks a major milestone in the digital evolution of the UKIPO. By consolidating multiple legacy systems into a single, modern platform, the UKIPO is aiming to make IP management faster, more intuitive and better aligned with the demands of a modern IP environment. Users of current systems available at the UKIPO should implement a transition plan in order that they can ensure compliance with the new platform and take full advantage of the improved functionality once launched.
