Intellectual Property Office
class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak govuk-!-margin-bottom-0">
Overview
If you think that a patent application relates to an invention which is not new or is not patentable for some other reason, then you can provide us with observations and we will take these into account when we decide whether to grant a patent.
You can only file observations after we have published a patent application. Observations must also be filed before we grant a patent, and before we issue a notification of our intention to grant a patent. It is recommended that you file any observations within three months after an application is published, as we may grant a patent after this period.
Find published patent applications
You can view published UK patent applications, or inspect the file by appointment at our offices in Newport or London
The numbers of recently published patent applications appear in the Patents Journal.
Before making observations
You should check your ob
Updates to this page
Published 16 May 2014Last updated 22 January 2025 +show all updates
-
IPSUM is no longer available and has been replaced by search for a patent
-
Amended paragraph 4 under the heading Making observations.
-
Amendment of text in light of the introduction of notifications of intention to grant.
-
Amended paragraph 4 under the heading Making observations.
-
First published.