• Patent fees

Fees associated with the UK PCT national phase entry as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Deadline for PCT national phase entry in the United Kingdom

The time limit for the UK PCT national phase entry is 31 months from the priority date. This term may be restored for two additional months provided that the failure to file an application under the PCT in due time was unintentional.

• Filing requirements in the UK

The official language of the UK patent application is English or Welsh. If the patent application is filed in any other foreign language, the Office shall notify the applicant that a translation into one of official languages should be submitted within two months from the date of the notification.

To obtain the date of filing a PCT national phase patent application in the UK should contain:
- applicant’s details;
- international application materials;
- proof of payment of the corresponding fees.

Currently, the legislation of the United Kingdom does not require filing a Power of Attorney when entering the UK PCT national phase.

A copy of the international application is only required if the Intellectual Property Office of the United Kingdom hasn’t received a copy from the International Bureau.

If the applicant is not an inventor, the statement of inventorship (Assignment Deed) should be provided within 33 months from the priority date. If the applicant requests early entry into the national phase, the statement of inventorship must be furnished within 16 months from the priority date, or 2 months from the date on which the conditions for early entry are satisfied, whichever is the later.

• Request for the official search

The request for official search as well as the payment of the corresponding fee must be provided to the UK IPO within two months from entering the PCT national phase or within 12 months from the priority date.

• Examination of the UK patent application

Patent applications in the UK undergo formal and substantive examinations. Request for substantive examination, as well as payment of the corresponding fee, must be submitted within 33 months from the date of priority. It is also possible to request an accelerated examination under PCT (UK) Fast Track system and PPH.

• Novelty grace period

A UK patent application may be filed within six months after the disclosure at an officially recognised international exhibition or when such a disclosure was made in bad faith by any third party. The evidence substantiating the display of the invention at an exhibition must be filed alongside an application.

• Grant, validity term and maintenance fees

The official grant fee is not stipulated for UK patents having less than 25 claims and less than 35 pages of description. Patents in the UK are in force for twenty years from the international filing date. The first annuity is due on the 4th anniversary of the international filing date, but it is only payable at granting of the patent. Annual fees should be paid within 3 months before or 1 month after the due date to avoid late payment fees. Late payment is possible within a six-month grace period by paying a corresponding surcharge.

• Duration of registration procedure

The average processing time for patent registration procedure in the UK is 30 months.

• Utility Model

Utility model protection is not available under the UK legislation.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For foreign applicants residing outside the United Kingdom it is recommended to perform the patent prosecution through a registered UK patent attorney.

• Notes

1. Online Search Databases: UK Patents, European Patents (EPO).
2. European Patent is valid in the United Kingdom automatically.

The above information was verified on 11.03.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with the UK IP Laws.