Government launches new online patent service
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 09:51
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a new online patent information system, which could save businesses nearly £100,000 a year.
The Ipsum service allows users to check the status of, and access information on, patent applications.
Under the new system, businesses will no longer have to pay a fee for each document requested, as up-to-date information on patent applications will instead be available free online.
Baroness Wilcox, Minister for Intellectual Property, 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'.
The service can be accessed via the IPO website: www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum