The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a new online search tool to make it easier to find information on patents.
It said that One IPO Search has replaced the previous Ipsum service and will make it easier for businesses and innovators to find the relevant information, which will support growth and innovation in the UK.
The new service includes enhanced features including: keyword searching that makes it possible to find patents through everyday language; visual data analysis to show market trends without the need for specialist knowledge; downloadable patent information; and a new user-friendly interface.
Further features will be added in the future, including a facility to save searches and get patent notifications, AI assisted searching, integrated trade make and design searches, and new APIs for bulk data access.
IPO said that early testing has provided positive results, with 82% of users agreeing that the service meets their needs and 86% saying they found it easy to use.
Easier interactions
Minister for Intellectual Property Feryal Clark said: “Just days after setting out a bold vision for a modern digital government, this new tool underscores our commitment to make it easier than ever before for users to interact with our digital services - seamlessly accessing the information they need to drive growth and innovation.
“Through One IPO Search, users will have access to all the information they need in a single, easy to use platform – modernising an outdated system which will support our innovators to do what they do best for years to come.”
Andy Bartlett, deputy chief executive of IPO, said: “This new search tool is a generational leap forwards from what came before and offers the easiest and most accessible way to search for UK patents.
“As we prepare to launch the rest of our new digital patent services, I hope this gives a great first impression of what can be expected.”
IPO said the launch marks a significant milestone in its One IPO transformation programme, will be followed by new digital services in the second half of the year. These will include one for patent applications and a new customer account management system.
