Your chance to shape the UK’s connected future in new SEPs consultation
The IPO has launched a consultation on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) to boost UK innovation and help businesses navigate the complex world of connected technologies.
The consultation, which runs until 7 October 2025, represents a critical step towards creating a more transparent and efficient SEPs ecosystem that works for everyone – from global tech giants to innovative start-ups.
💡 What are SEPs and why do they matter?
The technologies powering our connected world – from the 5G in your smartphone to the systems in electric vehicles – often depend on SEPs. But right now, the system isn’t working for everyone, especially smaller businesses.
- 83% of businesses say they lack sufficient pricing information for SEP licencing
- One recent legal dispute cost £31.5 million
- Government is concerned that smaller businesses are being priced out of emerging technologies like green tech and smart manufacturing
✅ Our proposals
Two game-changing proposals are on the table:
- Specialist Rate Determination Track: a fast, affordable way for any business to get fair licensing rates without costly court battles
- Mandatory Information Sharing: patent holders must disclose patents that relate to a standard, addressing the current transparency gap.
The consultation also examines whether current pre-action protocols work effectively before disputes escalate, how accessible essentiality checking services are for smaller businesses, whether legal remedies for SEP disputes are adequate, and how to improve alternative dispute resolution services.
📝 How to respond
Deadline: 7 October 2025
Focus on areas that affect you or your business most. Include real examples and data from your experience.
We are encouraging responses from interested parties across the SEPs ecosystem, including patent holders and innovators, technology implementors, legal services and academia.
