Patent Application

UK Patent Applications

How to Apply for a Patent

The basic requirement for any successful patent application is that the idea is novel. A large percentage of applications fail to be granted because the idea proves not to be new. However an idea can be an improvement on an existing idea. It is often prudent to complete a worldwide search to see if the idea has already been patented before filing a patent application.

A patent application basically involves 2 steps:

• Step 1. Draft your description and complete patent drawings - Drafting your patent can be carried out by a patent agent or you can choose to draft the application yourself. Either way it helps to have a patent search report detailing existing patents so you can make sure your patent application is worded to avoid infringing existing patents.

If you wish to use a patent agent you should first read this section: Choosing a patent agent

• Step 2. File a Form 1 with your description and drawings at the UK Patent Office. If you are using an agent then they will do this on your behalf. Otherwise you will need to complete the form yourself, attach a full description of your idea and the drawings and send the completed patent application to:
  
  Intellectual Property Office,
  Concept House,
  Cardiff Road,
  Newport,
  South Wales,
  NP10 8QQ
  United Kingdom
  
  

Alternatively this can be done online. UK IPO Patent Filing ONLINE

Patent Search Why you should conduct a global patent search Conducting a global patent search prior to filing your patent application can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. In this section we explain why also how to commission a search.

The Patent Process The process involved in getting your patent granted The patent process can be complicated and quite involved. This section provides an overview of the steps involved in patenting your idea. We go through the steps involved from patent application to patent granted.

Filing a Patent How to file a patent application with the UK IPO Everything you need to know about filing your patent application including what patent forms to fill in and how much it will cost. A complete guide to ensure your application is filed correctly.

Patent Pending All about Patent Pending This section covers what patent pending means, what rights it gives you, when you can legally use it and why you would want to use it. Patent Pending can deter people stealing your idea and we explain how it works.