Apply for a search

You must ask us to search your patent application to find out if your invention is new. You can fill in and post a form 9A or apply online.

Fill in form 9A

Fill in all sections of form 9A, including the application number and the name of the applicant.

Send us your request

Please send us form 9A, your claims and abstract, and the appropriate fee to:

Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom

• within 12 months of the earliest date of your application or
• 2 months from your filing date, whichever is later

to ensure that your application is not withdrawn.

Pay your application fee

Before we search your application, you must also pay the application fee. If you have not already paid this fee, you can pay it when filing your Form 9A.

What happens next?

When we receive your request and appropriate fees, we will:

• search published documents to determine whether your invention is new or obvious
• send you the results of your search together with copies of the documents
• inform you if any part of your application is not formally in order.