Apply for a patent

If you have a new product invention and want to have the legal right to exclusively pursue it and protect it from being copied, you need to apply for a patent with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). 

​

What is a patent

A patent is an intellectual property right granted by a country's government as a territorial right for a limited period. It’s a legal document that confirms legal ownership of the disclosed material e.g. product, invention, specification and grants an exclusive right to freely pursue it (without competition) within the territory.

​

In the UK, patent applications are made to and processed by the Intellectual Property Office (the IPO). 

​

To apply for a patent, you need to file a patent application. However, before applying for a patent and proceeding to protect your new product idea invention, it’s crucial to conduct due diligence to determine if patent protection is suitable and the correct approach. Not all new products, ideas, or inventions are patentable, and or should be pursued.

A Patent application is made up of four parts

• A written description, disclosing the technical aspects of the new product idea invention.

• Accompanying drawings, corresponding with the description.

• A list of claims, defining the distinctive technical features of the invention.

• An abstract’, a summary of the technical aspects of the invention.

File Your Application

​

Once your Patent application has been compiled, you can apply for a patent online or by post through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

​

• Online filing : Go to the UK IPO website and file your application electronically.

• By post : You can fill out form Form 1 (Patent Application) and send it to the UK IPO at Intellectual Property Office, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales, NP10 8QQ.

The fee to apply for a patent an online is typically £60 (this may change), and there are additional fees for examination and publication.

​

Search and Examination

​

After filing, the IPO will conduct a search to check whether your invention is new. This search is essential and incurs an additional fee (usually around £150 for the standard search).

​

Following the search, you will need to request a substantive examination to check whether the invention meets all the patentability requirements. This incurs another fee (around £100).

​

Publication

​

Your patent application will be published 18 months after the filing date or priority date. At this stage, your invention becomes publicly visible but not yet granted.

​

Examination Report and Amendments

​

The IPO will provide you with a report based on their examination. If your application needs amendments, you will have an opportunity to adjust your claims or description.

​

Grant of Patent

​

If your application is successful, you will be granted a UK patent, and subject to paying annual renewal fees, it will remain in force for 20 years.