The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a new online search tool, One IPO Search, designed to make it easier for businesses and innovators to search and access patent information in the UK. This new service replaces the previous Ipsum service, which has been in use for 13 years and has handled approximately 200,000 patent searches in the last 12 months alone.
Key Features of One IPO Search:
– Simple Keyword Searching: Users can find relevant patents by describing their product or technology in everyday language.
– Visual Data Analysis: The service allows users to spot market trends without needing specialist knowledge.
– Downloadable Patent Information: Users can share their findings easily with their team.
– User-Friendly Interface: The service is designed to be easy to navigate, even for those without technical expertise.
Positive Feedback:
– User Testing: Early testing has shown strong results, with 82% of users agreeing that the service met their needs and 86% saying they found it easy to use.
– User Quotes: Users from across the business and IP community have welcomed the improvements, with comments such as “I think this service is excellent and much-needed” and “Overall, this is a huge improvement on IPSUM.”
Future Developments:
– Save Searches and Get Patent Notifications: This feature is expected to be available in 2025.
– AI-Assisted Searching: The IPO plans to integrate AI-assisted searching into One IPO Search.
– Integrated Trade Mark and Design Searches: The service will also include integrated trade mark and design searches in the future.
– New APIs for Bulk Data Access: The IPO will provide new APIs for bulk data access, enabling businesses to automatically receive patent data directly into their own systems.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders:
– Minister for Intellectual Property: Feryal Clark said that the new tool underscores the government’s commitment to making it easier for users to interact with digital services and access the information they need to drive growth and innovation.
– IPO Deputy Chief Executive: Andy Bartlett said that the launch of One IPO Search is a major milestone for the IPO’s digital transformation and represents a “generational leap” forward in patent searching.
– Innovate UK Business Growth: Tara Gillam said that the new IPO Search tool will help remove barriers to innovation and put vital information at innovators’ fingertips.
– Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys: Dr. Bobby Mukherjee said that One IPO Search is a significant step forward over the previous Ipsum service and should help patent attorneys and businesses find information about patents more easily.
