The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has published its Corporate Plan for 2026–2027, setting out its key priorities for the coming year. These will impact all users of the UK's IP system.
At a glance, the significant points are:
1. Major digital transformation of IP services
The UKIPO is pressing ahead with the next phase of its “One IPO” transformation programme. Patent filing transitioned to the OneIPO system recently, and the UKIPO will continue to enhance and expand this, as well as moving into the next stage for trade marks (including learning from the patents experience). The Plan also notes that backlogs have risen in certain areas (from a significant increase in trade mark filings, as well as the complexities of transitioning to the OneIPO service for patents), and the UKIPO intends to address these, which is clearly welcome. Once OneIPO beds in, the streamlined digital services should reduce administrative friction, benefiting management of complex or high‑volume IP portfolios, across all types of IP rights.
2. Supporting business growth and commercialisation of IP
A central theme of the plan is helping businesses unlock the full commercial value of their IP, with particular emphasis on SMEs but without reducing service levels for larger organisations. The UKIPO support SMEs in accessing IP advice, and will continue to do so. There are also references to tackling IP crime more effectively, as well as modernising the UK designs framework.
3. Working with AI
The plan has two prongs for the adoption of AI. One is internally, with the UKIPO seeking to responsibly implement effective AI tools within the office, to increase productivity and improve the customer experience. Externally, the UKIPO will play a key role in working with UKGOV to ensure the UK AI and copyright framework supports both the UK's world leading creative industry as well as our technology sector.
Overall, the Corporate Plan signals a pro‑innovation, pro‑digital direction of travel for the UK IP system. For clients, this presents clear opportunities but also reinforces the value of early, strategic IP advice to navigate technological change and make the most of a rapidly evolving IP environment.