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UK Foreign Filing License Policy

June 23rd, 2009

Many countries have laws prohibiting nationals to apply for a patent in a different country in certain cases, before getting permission. US residents, for example, require that every patent will first filed in the US to obtain a foreign filing license.

In the UK, section 23 of the Patent Act states that if you are a UK resident and your application contains information about military technology, or could harm national security or public safety, you must either:

  • apply first for the patent in the UK. You can apply abroad 6 weeks after your UK application date, as long as not have been told otherwise.
    or
  • get permission from the UK IPO before you apply.

A permission should be requested from the Security Section, Room GR70 at the folloing address:

Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ
United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)1633 813558
Fax: +44 (0)1633 814415

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