How to withdraw patent applications
- The recommended way to withdraw a patent application is to e-mail withdraw@ipo.gov.uk.
- Please put your patent application number in the title line and state in the e-mail that you wish to withdraw your application.
- Use of this email address will ensure that the request is dealt with quickly by a dedicated team of staff. Full details of this service can be found on the professional section of the website.
- Alternatively, you may fax your request to +44 (0) 1633 817777 or post it to the Office, stating your patent application number and that you wish to withdraw your application.
Notifying the Office of withdrawal in time to prevent publication
To prevent publication please ensure that your request for withdrawal arrives at the Office by 23:59 on the day before preparations for publication are complete (the PPC date). We provide an estimation of this date in the search report. If you write to the Office less than 3 weeks before this date, please mark your letter "URGENT - PUBLICATION IMMINENT".
The official letter notifying applicants of the actual PPC date for their application will only be received 2 or 3 days prior to the PPC date. That leaves a very short time in which to notify the Office of withdrawal. If the email message or written notification is not received by 23:59 on the day before the PPC date, it will be too late to prevent publication.
Therefore the earlier applicants and practitioners can make decisions about withdrawal and notify the Office, the better.
If you have any queries about withdrawing your patent, please contact:
- Steve Bender, Room 1.B75, +44 (0)1633 814422 or
- Christine Farrington, Room 1.Y20, +44 (0)1633 814701
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom