1.
Check for updates on when the new service is launching
The IPO will announce a launch date 6-8 weeks before the service launches. This is expected to be in early 2026, when central government has completed its assessment to ensure it meets the highest quality standards.
We will announce the launch date on GOV.UK and via social media channels.
2.
Get your IPO account set-up for launch
The first step to accessing the new One IPO service is setting up your IPO account. Work is well underway to reach out to the customers who have lots of UK patents to help them do this and make sure they have the right patents linked to their firm’s account.
The IPO will then invite a nominated administrator to create an account. The administrator can invite people in your firm to use the service.
Customers who have a smaller number of UK patents (typically, those who own or manage fewer than 200), will be able to create their account through the IPO website when the service launches to the public.
If you think the IPO should have been in touch with your organisation and we haven’t, contact [email protected]
3.
Understand what’s changing
Some of the services you currently use to apply for patents, including eOLF will be retired in 2026.
eOLF
-
all current eOLF users who want access to the new One IPO service by the end of 2025 will be offered it
-
eOLF users should plan to start using the new One IPO service from 1 January 2026, because eOLF will no longer receive technical support from the EPO from this date
-
however, we won’t be taking the ability to apply for a UK patent through eOLF away any sooner than we need to. We intend to accept UK patent applications via eOLF until 1 April 2026 if you are unable to use the One IPO service for any reason
-
PCT applications with the UK as a receiving office must be made via ePCT from 1 January 2026
WebF
- the WebF service will be replaced with our new One IPO service immediately when it launches to the public
Paper filing
- we will continue to accept paper GB, PCT and EP applications directly to the UK IPO. The forms will look a bit different to reflect the new services
4.
Renew your eOLF soft certificate by 30 November
Users of the eOLF service use soft certificates to access the eOLF service. Soft certificates expire after one year.
Users will have to apply for a new soft certificate before their old one expires. They can do this via the same process that they used to request their previous soft certificate last year.
4a.
Request a soft certificate by emailing [email protected] by 30 November 2025. You will need to provide your name, organisation and email address.
4b.
Install the soft certificate provided on your device.
4c.
Enrol the soft certificate on the How to file page of the IPO website.
5.
Find out what other big changes are coming
The IPO will be publishing regular updates over the coming weeks and months focusing on specific changes customers can expect from the One IPO service, and how to get more information.
These include details of how the new IPO accounts work, applying for patents in the new service and making payments. You can get these updates via the IPO’s webpage on Gov.uk, social media channels and IP Connect newsletter.
Andy Barlett, Deputy CEO, IPO said
We’re getting very close to launching our new One IPO patents service, which will revolutionise the way you interact with the IPO. As the launch approaches, there are some crucial things that everyone needs to do to get ready for this very big, but very exciting change. In the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing much more information on what you can expect, and we’ll always be here to answer your questions.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
