Services - Patents

If you invent a product or process which has a new and non-obvious way of functioning you may be able to apply for a patent. In most countries, your invention must be kept confidential until a patent application is filed at a Patent Office or IP Office.

An IP Office normally carry out a search and substantive examination to check if your invention is novel and inventive, but your application must also comply with other formal requirements. Once the UK IP Office‘s objections (if any) are overcome then you will be granted a patent.

A patent is, in essence, a monopoly awarded for a limited period of time (typically 20 years) by the government in return for a public disclosure of your idea. When the monopoly expires your disclosure can generally be worked by the public. In many countries, a patent is not a classical monopoly, but a right to prevent others from marketing something that falls within the scope of the patent. Accordingly, if you intend to put a product on the market it is prudent to carry out a search for other people’s patents, aswell as filing an application for your idea.

A patent can be licensed or assigned to another person, often within the general industry to which the patent relates.

We offer UK Patent, European Patent, International Patent Application, and Foreign patent applications services.

Normally an application is filed in the applicant’s home country first. An international convention allows overseas applications to be filed in many countries up to twelve months after the original application.