Patents

A UK patent application needs to be filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The patent application must include a description of the invention, drawings if appropriate, and optionally claims and an abstract. We can prepare and file a patent application on your behalf at the IPO. Once the application has been filed, you are free to disclose the invention publicly.

The IPO will search and examine the patent application. If the examiner is satisfied that the claimed invention is patentable, the application is accepted and published as a granted patent.

Obtaining a UK patent typically takes three to four years from filing. However, it is possible to shorten the process very significantly. For example, by requesting combined search and examination and paying the associated fees together, the application will be placed on a “fast track”, potentially leading to a granted patent within approximately two years of filing.

The cost of preparing and prosecuting a patent application varies based on the complexity of the invention and any official objections raised.

A typical cost for a UK patent is around £5000 (excluding VAT). This includes preparing and filing the patent application at the IPO, requesting search and advising on the search results, requesting examination and addressing any objections, sending routine reminders, and informing you about various formal steps such as publication and grant

The maximum life of a patent is twenty years from the initial filing date. However, once the patent is four years old, annual renewal fees become payable to maintain the patent in force.

UK patents only give rights in this country. If you want to protect your invention outside the United Kingdom, you must file overseas patent applications within twelve months of applying for an initial UK patent.