Patent an Idea Invention

If you have a new product idea or invention and wish to protect it from being copied, you must apply for a patent with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

​

What is a Patent

 

A patent is an intellectual property right granted by the government, providing territorial protection for a limited period. It serves as a legal document that confirms ownership of the disclosed material, such as a product or invention, and grants the exclusive right to exploit it without competition within the territory.

In the UK, patent applications are submitted to and processed by the IPO.

 

Patent Application Process

​

Before filing a patent application, it's essential to conduct due diligence to determine if patent protection is appropriate for your invention. Not all products or ideas are patentable or should be pursued.

​

If you're satisfied patent protection is for you, you need to draft, compile and file a Patent application with the Intellectual Property Office - the UK IPO, also commonly known as the Patent Office.

​

A patent application consists of four parts

​

1. Written Description: A detailed disclosure of the technical aspects of the invention.

2. Accompanying Drawings: Illustrations that correspond with the written description.

3. List of Claims: Specific definitions of the distinctive technical features of the invention.

4. Abstract: A summary of the technical aspects of the invention.

​​

Patent Application Process

​

1. Filing the Application: Once the application has been drafted and compiled, it can be filed with the IPO - either through the post or online.  

2. After filing and paying the application fee, the IPO will provide a receipt containing the application number and filing date.

3. Within 12 months of the filing date, a request for the patent to be searched needs to be made.  

4. The IPO with then undertake a preliminary search and produce a search report.

5. Approx 18 months from the initial filing date, the IPO will publish the patent application in the Patents Journal and list it in their public records.

6. Within six months of publication data, a request for the application to be examined needs to be made.

7. The IPO with then undertake a substantive examination to establish compliance, novelty, inventiveness, industrial applicability and technical contribution.

8. If all criteria are satisfied, the examiner will issue a notice of intent to grant, followed by the issuance of a patent certificate.

​

Cost to apply for a UK Patent

 

The costs to applying for a UK patent can range from around £400 if you produce and file the application yourself, to £2,000 and £6,000 if you hire a patent attorney (depending on the complexity of the invention).

 

Patent application process costs are spread over a period of time

​

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

• 12 months later - the Preliminary Search cost.

• 12 months later - the Substantive Examination cost.

​

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

 

If you employ a Patent Attorney / Agency, every action they undertake on your behalf (including discussing matters with you, liaising with the Patent Office etc) will attract a cost based on the firms hourly rate scale - unless you've agreed a fixed fee arrangement - which is how we operate. 

​

On going costs for a granted UK Patent

​

For a granted patent to remain in force, annual renewal fees need to be paid. Which starts at £70.00 for the first years renewal and rising to £600.00 in year 20. 

​

​Timescales

​

The patent process, from application to grant, typically takes approximately four to five years.

​

Provided that annual renewal fees are paid, a granted patent remains in force for 20 years.​