The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is currently grappling with substantial service disruptions, primarily due to planned maintenance and an ongoing Microsoft outage. As of November 13, 2026, the IPO has reported that most of its services, including trade marks and registered designs, are unavailable, causing inconvenience to users who rely on these essential services.
Planned Maintenance and Service Unavailability
According to official statements from the IPO, the maintenance work is expected to affect all trade marks and registered designs services, as well as the legacy patents service known as Web Filing. Users have been advised that while new digital patent services remain operational, certain functionalities, such as payment by deposit account, are currently disabled. Customers can still complete requests that do not require payment or pay by card. The IPO has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused during this period of maintenance, emphasizing that updates will only be made during business hours.
Ongoing Microsoft Outage Complicates Operations
Adding to the challenges faced by the IPO is an ongoing outage at Microsoft, which has raised concerns regarding the operational status of customer services. Although the IPO has indicated that services appear to be operational from the customer perspective, internal assessments are underway to determine the extent of transaction processing capabilities. In light of this uncertainty, the IPO has recommended that users delay their use of services until a clearer picture emerges. As a precaution, some forms have been temporarily disabled to prevent further complications.
Issues with Patent Application Submissions
In addition to the service disruptions, the IPO has acknowledged specific issues affecting the Apply for a patent service. Customers attempting to review and submit their requests have encountered a blue information screen displaying the message, "Your documents are being prepared for submission." Investigations revealed that the warning message, which should alert users to problems with their uploaded description documents, is not appearing in some instances. This oversight has led to confusion, as users are left unaware of potential issues with their submissions.
To mitigate this problem, the IPO has announced plans for a short-term fix that will update the text on the blue information screen to provide clearer guidance. Originally scheduled for implementation at the end of the previous week, the update has faced delays but is expected to be rolled out early this week. Following this, the IPO plans to reinstate the normal warning text at the point of document upload to enhance user experience and reduce submission errors.
User Guidance and Document Requirements
The IPO has also provided guidance for users experiencing issues with their patent applications. It has been noted that many problems arise when documents do not meet specific requirements outlined in the Directions for using digital services. A common issue is the use of text smaller than font size 10, which can lead to submission failures. Users are encouraged to review their documents carefully to ensure compliance with these guidelines before attempting to submit their applications.
Future Updates and Communication
As the IPO navigates these challenges, it has committed to keeping users informed about the status of its services. Regular updates will be provided as the situation evolves, particularly regarding the resolution of the ongoing Microsoft outage and the completion of maintenance work. Users are encouraged to reach out to the IPO for assistance with issues not listed in the current updates.
Looking ahead,, the Intellectual Property Office is currently facing significant operational challenges due to planned maintenance and an ongoing Microsoft outage. While some services remain available, users are advised to exercise caution and ensure their documents meet the necessary requirements to avoid submission issues. The IPO's commitment to transparency and user support will be crucial in navigating this period of disruption.
