International application, entry to national phase

If you have made an international application for a patent, you can choose whether you want a national patent in any of the countries it covers. If you decide you want a United Kingdom (UK) patent you must ask us to process your international application in the same way as an application for a UK patent. This is called the national phase.

When should I apply?

You must ask to enter the national phase within 31 months of the earliest date of your international application, this includes any priority date.

Fill in national phase form NP1

You do not have to use this form but it is easier for us if you do. Send us your form NP1 (91Kb), fee sheet form and fee. If you request entry frequently, you may find it useful to apply online.

Request search and examination

You can send us form 9A (33Kb) (request for search) and form 10 (18Kb) (request for substantive examination) at the same time as form NP1 if you wish. The latest date you can send us patents forms 9A and 10 is normally 2 months from the date your international application enters the national phase.

Do I need a translation?

If your international application was not in English, you must send us an English translation. If you want us to publish the English translation, you must ask us to do so in writing and pay a fee.