New UKIPO figures reveal extent of patent examination backlog
By Douglas Clarke-Williams ( July 9, 2026, 15:58 GMT | Insight) -- The UK Intellectual Property Office has seen its backlog of first examination reports for patent applications almost double, as the authority grapples with an increase in submissions alongside ongoing troubles with its new digital service.The number of patent applications waiting longer than 42 months for a first examination report at the UK Intellectual Property Office rose to 4,323 at the end of March 2026, compared to 2,332 at the same time last year. The authority attributed the increase to a combination of a rise in the number of applications and ongoing difficulties with the new One IPO digital service for patent applicants, and said that it intends to remedy the issue with more staff and improved processes....
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