The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is changing how patents are renewed. From 9 November 2026, you will only be able to renew a patent through an online IPO account. The renewal page on GOV.UK will direct patent owners to log in. The IPO updated its guidance on 27 October.
Payment is unchanged – by card or from a deposit account. Up to 1,500 patents can still be renewed in one transaction. However, it will no longer be possible to renew patents together with trade marks and designs in a single payment. Trade mark and registered design renewals work as before, including without an account.
Linking an account to an organisation is optional. It gives access to patents the organisation owns or manages, but it is not needed for the renewal itself.
The IPO has also changed its plan to retire the old Web Filing system. It was originally due to close on 8 November. After feedback from users and patent attorneys (CIPA), the office dropped that date. Web Filing is expected to stay open probably until early December, but the date has not yet been confirmed. The [email protected] email address will remain after Web Filing is retired. From Thursday 29 October, the new service is expected to issue submission receipts.
What it means for you
If your business holds a UK patent and its renewal falls due in November or December, set up an IPO account early. Don’t leave it until the last day. If an accountant or patent attorney handles your patents, ask whether they know about the change. Owners of trade marks only do not need to do anything.
Our assessment
The change is certain – the 9 November date is stated clearly. For most small businesses it is a matter of one account and a few minutes. The risk is for those who used to renew a patent and a trade mark in one payment – they now need to do it separately.
What to do
- Set up an account: IPO – Manage intellectual property.
- Check renewal dates: GOV.UK – Renew a patent, trade mark or registered design.
- Follow updates: Patents service updates.
- Questions: [email protected].
Source: GOV.UK, Intellectual Property Office – New digital patents services have launched (updated 27 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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