Intellectual Property Office
- Date 16 February 2026
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 35(1)(a): Not upheld
The complainant has requested information held relating to or containing the phrase “Copyright and Database Exception” for a specific period. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) provided some information within the scope of the request but cited section 40(2)- personal information, section 21- accessible by other means and section 35(1)(a)- formulation of government policy, etc to refuse to provide the remaining information.
The complainant contacted the Commissioner to complain about the IPO’s application of section 35 therefore, the Commissioner has not considered the application of the other exemptions in this decision notice.
The Commissioner’s decision is that section 35(1)(a) is engaged and the public interest favours withholding the information.
The Commissioner does not require any steps.