One IPO Search, developed by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), offers straightforward tools that will particularly benefit businesses who may be exploring patent information for the first time. 
 
In 2023, the IPO received nearly 20,000 patent applications from businesses and inventors, demonstrating the importance of making patent information more accessible to organisations of all sizes.

Why patents matter to your business 

Patents protect new inventions and innovations and give their owners the right to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention without permission. 
The first step to getting a patent granted is understanding if a similar invention already exists.   
 
Understanding existing patents is crucial for businesses looking to:

• Confirm if their idea is truly new before investing further in development 
• Understand what competitors are doing in their market 
• Spot gaps and opportunities for innovation 
• Make informed decisions about product development 

 
One IPO Search can help you easily find information about UK patents relate to your industry or product.

Searching patents can also be a source of inspiration – most patents aren’t fundamentally ‘reinventing the wheel’, but are instead new innovations and improvements to existing technologies.

Searching patents can also be a great way of doing market research to understand the latest technologies in your area of interest. 

Business-friendly features

The new service makes UK patent searching more accessible through: 

• Simple keyword searching – find relevant patents by describing your product or technology in everyday language 
• Visual data analysis – spot market trends without needing specialist knowledge 
• Downloadable patent information – share findings easily with your team 
• Clear, user-friendly interface – navigate patent information without requiring technical expertise

This replaces the previous system which required users to know specific patent reference numbers, removing a significant barrier for smaller businesses and first-time users.

Positive early feedback

Early testing has shown strong results, with 82% of users agreeing the service met their needs and 86% finding it easy to use. Users from across the business and IP community have welcomed the improvements:

"I think this service is excellent and much-needed, so thank you for all of your efforts in creating it," said Iain Russell from Russell IP.

Philip Cupitt of Marks and Clerk noted: "Overall, this is a huge improvement on IPSUM."

For small business users like Claire Lingard-McKay from Wiltshire Green Woolies, the service is "well designed and responsive."

Part of a wider transformation

One IPO Search is a major milestone in the IPO's comprehensive 'One IPO' transformation programme. Further improvements planned include: 

• Streamlined patent application services (2025) 
• Simplified IP management tools 
• Integrated trade mark and design services (2026)

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, IPO Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services said: “The launch of One IPO Search is a major milestone for our digital transformation. 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.”

Tara Gillam, Innovate UK Business Growth said: “For startups and more established businesses alike, understanding the patent landscape is crucial but can be time-consuming and complex. The new IPO Search tool will help remove such barriers, putting vital information at innovators' fingertips.  
 
“By making it easier to access and understand existing patent information, companies can better identify opportunities, make more informed decisions about their R&D investments and better understand and protect their intellectual property. This is exactly the kind of practical support that can help British businesses move from idea to market more quickly and confidently when looking to innovate and grow."

Dr Bobby Mukherjee, President of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys said: "It's great to see the first of IPO's new digital patents services launch. One IPO Search is a significant step forward over the previous Ipsum service and should help patent attorneys and businesses alike find information about patents more easily." 

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