Certified and uncertified copies

We will supply a copy of a patent or patent application, upon request and payment of the relevant fee. You can also access the register on-line GB Esp@cenet External Link and get patents information free of charge.

Certified copies give proof that we issued them. You get a copy certified with a signature and seal.

Uncertified copies are photocopied documents either on paper or electronically. Pdf versions may be available on our patent document and information system (Ipsum).

What type of copy do I need?

You must use certified copies;

  • When applying for a patent abroad;
  • When needed as evidence in a court of law, for example, if you are involved in legal action to enforce or defend your patent rights;
  • to prove details about a patent or application

You can use uncertified copies for your personal reference or research.

Request a copy

Electronic uncertified copies may be available on our patent document and information system (Ipsum). Use form Patents Form 23 PDF document(20Kb) to request a certified or uncertified copy of a patent or patent application. You can request uncertified copies of more than one payment or patent application on one form, but you must use a separate form for each certified copy. If you are using the copy to apply abroad, you must tell us which countries.

Costs and how to pay

  • certified copy £20
  • uncertified copy on paper, or by e-mail or on compact disc £5
  • uncertified electronic copy from Ipsum-BETA Free
  • A fee sheet must be filed with all fee bearing forms.  Details of the various methods of payment and how to complete a Fee Sheet (FS2) PDF document(47Kb) are also available.

Send your completed form 23, FS2 fee sheet and payment to:

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

If you require an uncertified copy from a published UK patent or patent application you also have the option to use our  Certified and uncertified copies web form to request electronic uncertified copies which are copies e-mailed to you in a PDF file format.