How much does a UK Patent cost

A UK patent costs around £350 if you produce and file the application yourself, or between £2,000 and £6,000 if you hire a patent attorney (depending on the complexity of the invention).

 

The costs to apply for a Patent are spread over a period of time.

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• Initial cost - the drafting and filing of the application.

• 12 months later - the Preliminary Search cost.

• 12 months later - the Substantive Examination.

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If you draft and file the application yourself, the costs are restricted to the official Patent Office fees - which are slightly different when paper filing compared to online. 

 

If you employ a Patent Attorney / Agency, every action they undertake on your project, including discussing matters with you and the Patent Office will attract a cost - unless you've agreed to work together on a fixed fee arrangement - which is how we operate. 

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Are patents worth the cost ?

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The answer is YES and NO. It all depends on a number of factors...

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• The robustness and technical richness of the IP.

• The foundations on which the IP is based, i.e. the credibility/viability/feasibility of the project.

• You, your objective and resources.

• The good will of the competition.

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A poorly drafted patent, lacking technical depth and easily circumvented, holds little value. In contrast, a well-crafted, technically robust patent that effectively prevents others from working around the invention can become a valuable asset due to the competitive advantage it offers.

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Patents are a valuable tool but only if used wisely and in conjunction with a broader strategy for bringing the invention to market.

 

Why use a patent attorney ?

 

There is no law that dictates you have to use a patent agent / attorney to draft, file and secure new technological rights with the Patent Office. Anyone can do it !

 

However just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Unless you have the necessary experience and training, you will simply not have the expertise to :

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• Assess prior art (existing patents or technologies) and whether your invention is truly novel.

• Understand what can and cannot be done to circumnavigate around the prior art.

• Compile the application that robustly protects the technology that prevents others from circumnavigating around the patent and gaining an advantage.

• Respond and overcome any objections the Patent Office raises.

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Patent law and drafting a strong application are highly specialised skills. 

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What if you can’t afford a patent attorney ?

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If hiring an attorney isn't feasible, you need to consider whether your business has the resources for the other steps in commercialising an invention. A patent is only a part of the process. Without a budget for product development, testing, and marketing, a patent alone will not be enough to ensure success.