Overview
You can monitor a patent application to see how it is progressing, for example before deciding to make observations on it, by:
checking the search report
checking the parts of the application file that are open to public inspection (OPI)
applying for a caveat so that we tell you when something happens to the application.
Patent search reports
Search reports are available for all published UK applications.
It may include:
documents rated as X or Y against one or more of the applicant’s claims, means that during examination we will ask the applicant to change the claims
documents rated as A. These citations are background art, that is related reading, and are unlikely to affect the outcome of the examination and grant procedure
none found, means that no relevant documents were available when we searched the application
no search made, usually means that we consider the invention not patentable. We can object to the application because of this at examination, without using documents to show lack of novelty or inventiveness
*you can get free access to search reports through Espacenet.
OPI files
you can see reports and correspondence between us and the applicant, or their attorney, on the application file of a published application
you can search for a patent to view patent files for free
Alternatively, you can check current application files by appointment at our Newport or London offices, free of charge.
Caveats
You can monitor the progress of someone else’s patent application or patent by registering a caveat with us.
a caveat is a warning, or notification, that some action has taken place on a patent application or patent. We do not tell the applicant or patent owner of the patent that a caveat is in place
You can ask us to notify you of any of the following events or actions:
application published, or withdrawn, refused or deemed abandoned before publication
opposition filed against an application
application registered, or withdrawn, refused or abandoned after publication
patent not renewed
patent renewed or expired
patent surrendered or revoked
assignment application received
patent assigned, either partially or in full
anything else
When the action has taken place, we will write to tell you, and remove the caveat from the case.
