Ieuan Sanders, Trainee Solicitor at BPP, considers One IPO
The UK government has introduced ‘One IPO’, a centralised online platform designed to make protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in the UK more straightforward. This innovative new system will eventually consolidate all IP processes in one location, aiming to reduce barriers and enable businesses of all sizes to protect their intellectual assets.
The key ways of protecting IP in the UK are:
• Copyright protects artistic expressions, including literary works, non-literary works such as software or code, music and sound recordings, film and television recordings, and published editions of written, dramatic, and musical works.
• Trademarks are used to protect brands by covering combinations of words, sounds, logos, and colours.
• Patents protect inventions that are novel, inventive, and capable of industrial application.
Currently, each form of IP protection is managed on different portals within the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), but One IPO will ultimately unify all forms into a single portal and add increased functionality to current systems.
Key Features and Timeline
• Patents transitioned to the platform in 2025, making searching, filing, and managing patents more accessible.
• Trademarks are set to join in 2026.
• Future upgrades will include AI-assisted searching to make it easier to identify and challenge infringements, and new APIs for bulk data access (implementation dates yet to be confirmed).
These features promise to overhaul how businesses interact with IP systems, ensuring an efficient and user-friendly experience for entrepreneurs navigating legal protections.
Empowering Small Businesses
This development is particularly significant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to government surveys, many SME owners are unaware of the IP protections available to them, while others are deterred by the perceived costs and complexity. One IPO aims to change this by providing tools that are more accessible, affordable, and intuitive.
For example:
• Emerging companies, whose unique inventions are often their most valuable assets, now have better opportunities to safeguard their designs through patents.
• Small businesses can confidently explore trademark protection by engaging with the more straightforward One IPO portal. They can use features like saved searches and patent notifications, which help alert users to potential infringements.
The Effect on Pro Bono Clinics
For student advisers at BPP University, One IPO presents new opportunities when advising clients:
• Simplified Advice: The platform reduces confusion and complexity, allowing advisers to guide clients with confidence. Explaining how to engage with IP protections and monitor for infringements will be far simpler, and clients will be able to easily action this advice.
• Practical Engagement: Small businesses now find IP protection feasible, encouraging them to act and protect their intellectual assets.
• Pro Bono Outreach: The Clinic and other initiatives such as Street Law can connect with start-ups and SMEs, promoting these accessible tools and reducing the intimidation surrounding IP protections.
With the integration of AI-assisted searching and other advanced tools in the future, One IPO promises to be an even greater asset for businesses seeking legal protections.
Final Thoughts
The One IPO platform represents an exciting leap forward in IP protections for UK businesses, especially those with limited resources. As pro bono advisers, we have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap for clients who need help navigating this new system, helping them protect their IP assets and thrive in a competitive market. Let’s encourage them to embrace this user-friendly platform and build a more secure future for their business and IP assets.
