Work manuals/practice

Our work manuals set out guidance on our work practices. They appear here for information only, please read our disclaimer before using them.

Manual of Patent Practice

This manual provides guidance on our practice under the Patents Act 1977.

Examining patent applications for biotechnological inventions (1.9Mb)

These guidelines set out how we examine patent applications for biotechnological inventions under the Patents Act 1977. The Act incorporates changes made to implement European Directive 98/44/EC on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions.

Examining patent applications for medical inventions (243Kb)

These guidelines set out how we examine patent applications for medical inventions.

Hearings manual

This manual provides guidance on the law and procedure for patent and design right hearings.

Litigation manual

This manual provides guidance on the administrative procedures for patent and design right proceedings.

Formalities manual

This manual provides guidance on the procedures we follow when examining the formalities of patent applications.

Opinions manual

This manual provides guidance on the patent opinions service.

Scan and shred policy

This notice provides guidance on procedures regarding the destruction of patent documents