Key actions for businesses before the systems change
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is advising businesses to prepare for the full launch of its new One IPO patents service in early 2026. The service marks a major overhaul of how UK patents are managed.
The new digital platform will provide businesses with a single online account to view, manage and update patents, alongside streamlined services for applications, renewals, and ownership changes. It promises faster transactions, reduced errors, and improved collaboration tools for teams and clients.
Once the service rolls out fully, existing patent systems will be phased out
- WebF will be retired immediately when One IPO Patent Service goes live.
- eOLF, currently supported by the European Patent Office (EPO), will lose EPO’s technical support from 1 January 2026. UK filings will still be accepted through eOLF until 1 April 2026 as a fallback.
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications must be filed through World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) ePCT service from 1 January 2026.
- Paper filings will remain an option, with updated forms.
The IPO says the changes will bring all patents into one place, modernising UK intellectual property management and creating efficiencies for rights holders and their advisers.
Action points for businesses
Businesses should get ready for the changes by following a few key suggestions
- nominate an IPO account administrator
- prepare for the retirement of legacy filing systems
- renew eOLF certificates by 30 November 2025 if you plan to use it in 2026
- monitor official launch announcements on GOV.UK, IPO social media and newsletter
The IPO is already inviting large patent-holding organisations to set up accounts, while smaller businesses will be able to create accounts once the service launches fully in 2026.
Find more information to help you prepare for the One IPO Patents Service.
First published 22 September 2025
