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Patent documents go online – and free

Innovative UK businesses are set to benefit from a free system to access information on patents launched by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The new, online service, called Ipsum, will remove the cost to businesses of requesting patent documents and the government estimates it could save UK business up to £100,000 a year.

Previously each document requested by a business would cost £5 and by the time it had been delivered it might already be out of date. Ipsum is updated in real time so businesses will now have the up to date information on patent applications they need.

The service is open to anyone, benefiting businesses researching patents, patent attorneys working for clients protecting their IP rights and potential inventors looking for the best way to find information on patent applications. This can help them understand why a patent was granted or rejected or know more about particular patents.

Launching the new service on 6 October, Minister for Intellectual Property Baroness Wilcox said: “The service will give businesses, universities and consumers instant access to the information they need so they can understand the progress of patent applications and save money.

“Patent examiners around the world will also benefit as they can now immediately understand why the UK Intellectual Property Office did, or did not, grant a patent. This could help reduce the global backlog of applications benefiting UK business hoping to get their patents processed in another country.”

Link: Ipsum website