Government wants to introduce 90-day patent service

The Government has unveiled plans to introduce a 90-day patent service to help creative and innovative businesses.

Under the present system it can take a number of years to obtain patent protection. Ministers say this is acceptable for most patent applications as it gives innovators time to develop their ideas and make important commercial decisions. However, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) recognises that this timescale may not suit everyone’s needs.

Intellectual Property Minister Lord Younger said: “Inspiration and inventive thoughts can emerge at any time, but acting on them quickly can often be the catalyst for making a real difference to the success or otherwise of an idea. Government is committed to making it easy for innovators to turn their ideas into business growth. I am sure this will help to create a streamlined and flexible patent service and bring more choice for those who use it.”

The IPO already offers free acceleration services which mean a patent can be granted in less than a year.

The Government is now consulting on the proposed 90-day service, which it hopes to have in place by the end of the year.

Please contact Sarah Liddiard if you would like more information about patent and intellectual property matters.