The inventive step requirement in UK patent law and practice

The United Kingdom Patent Office (UKPO), having policy responsibility for the patent system in the United Kingdom, wishes by this review to re-evaluate the inventive step requirement and its influence at all levels. The requirement has been a central feature of UK patent law since the introduction of the Patents Act 1977, but it is timely to review it not only because considerable time has elapsed, but also because more recently it has been the subject of some debate and investigation abroad: these have raised serious issues of patent quality, and concerns over the issue of so-called "trivial" patents. The UKPO therefore wishes to gather evidence as to the situation in the United Kingdom so that it can consider the need for change.

The consultation is directed to users of the patent system and other interested stakeholders.