To help support the UK’s growth and innovation, a new search tool for UK patients has been released
This search tool, One IPO Search, developed by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will take over from the previous Ipsum service.
UK innovators used this Ipsum service for 13 years, handling approximately 200,000 patent searches in the last 12 months alone.
Enhanced features and accessibility
One IPO Search helps to introduce many new user-friendly features designed to revolutionise access to patent information.
One of the most revolutionary features is being able to search keywords, which allows users to find relevant patents by describing products or technologies in everyday language.
Making this new search tool accessible eliminates the need for specialised technology knowledge, making patent exploration more inclusive for a wider audience.
The new service also uses visual data analysis capabilities, enabling users to spot market trends visually without requiring expertise in data interpretation. This feature enhances decision-making by providing clear insights into patent landscapes, fostering innovation and strategic planning.
User experience and feedback
Early user feedback has seen a positive trend, with 82% confirming that the service meets their needs and 86% finding it easy to use.
This positive trend shows the effectiveness of the new service in addressing user requirements across different sectors, from small businesses to large IP firms.
Industry professionals have also applauded the new services, saying that they are responsive and that the design makes navigating them easier.
This positive reception shows the service’s potential to support a range of users in leveraging intellectual property for business growth and innovation.
Further development
One IPO Search hopes to develop further by introducing more functionalities.
This will include adding features such as saving searches, receiving patent notifications, and AI-assisted teaching.
By 2026, they will introduce trademark and design searches, further enhancing the platform’s utility and creating a toolset for intellectual property management.
Introducing APIs for bulk data access will allow seamless integration with business systems, facilitating workflow and enhancing operational efficiency.
This API-driven approach shows a forward-thinking strategy by the IPO to facilitate automated access to patent data, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning across industries.
Strategic implications
The launch of One IPO Search aligns with wider governmental efforts to modernise digital services and enhance public access to critical information. Feryal Clark, Minister for Intellectual Property, emphasised the service’s role in supporting innovation and growth by providing easy access to comprehensive patent data.
This strategy shows the government’s commitment to promoting a conducive environment for innovation through improved digital infrastructure.
Impact on businesses and innovation
For businesses, particularly startups and SMEs, navigating the patent landscape is key but often difficult.
One IPO Search addresses this challenge by simplifying access to patent information and empowering businesses to make informed decisions regarding R&D investments and intellectual property protection. The service accelerates innovation by facilitating quicker access to relevant data, enabling businesses to translate ideas into market-ready products more efficiently.
The One IPO Search service represents a big step forward in how UK patents are searched and accessed.
Its user-centric design, advanced functionalities like visual data analysis, and upcoming AI integration position it as a cornerstone of the IPO’s digital transformation efforts.
By improving accessibility, usability, and integration capabilities, One IPO Search supports current users and lays the groundwork for future innovations and economic growth driven by intellectual property.
As the program continues to grow with planned updates and expansions, its impact on the UK’s innovation ecosystem is set to be huge, fostering a more dynamic and responsive environment for intellectual property management and innovation-driven enterprises.
