A patent is an intellectual property right granted by a country's government as a territorial right for a limited period.
Patent rights make it illegal for anyone except the owner or someone with the owners permission to make, use, import or sell the invention in the country where the patent was granted.
Patents generally cover products or processes that contain a new functional or technical aspects. They are concerned with how things work, how they are made or what they are made of. Patents cover many different things such as electronics, medicines, agriculture and transport. Anything in fact from a small detail in an electric switch to an entire power station.
A patent gives you the ability to take legal action to try to stop others from copying, manufacturing, selling, and importing your invention without your permission.
Whilst the existence of a patent may be enough on its own to stop others from trying to exploit your invention, it does provides the mandate to take a legal action under civil law should someone decide to exploit your invention without your permission.
Importantly, a patent is a intangible asset that can be sold, licensed and rented. They provide investors with the confidence to invest in or collaborate with the IP owner, knowing that any investment they make will be underpinned by a legal right.
Sell the invention and all the intellectual property (IP) rights.
License the invention to someone else but retain all the IP rights.
Discuss the invention with others in order to set up a business based around the invention.
Patents generally cover products or processes that contain ‘new’ functional or technical aspects. They are concerned with how things work, how they are made or what they are made of.
Patents cover many different things such as electronics, medicines, agriculture and transport – anything in fact from a small detail in an electric switch to an entire power station.
New – not already known to the public before the date a patent is applied for.
Capable of industrial application – that is, can be made or used in any kind of industry.
Inventive – not an obvious modification of what is already known.
Makes a technical contribution.
Scientific or mathematical discoveries, theories or methods.
Literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works.
Schemes, rules or methods for performing a mental act.
Methods of medical treatment.
As long as renewal fees are paid every year, a UK patent has a life of 20 years.
Provide an honest appraisal on your project and examine your project for patent suitability.
Make suggestions to improve the commerciality of your design.
Undertake a patent search prior to proceeding with the application process.
Make suggestions that may improve your chances of obtaining a grant.
Prepare and file your UK, International patent application and pursue it through to grant.
Deal with any IPO objections and maintain and file renewals.
Advise on ways of leveraging your IP rights, including using the Patent Box.
Assist with the transfer of your rights to a third party.