PATENT INTERNATIONAL

Patent Registration in .

Just like marketing is important for any business, getting a patent registered is equally important for an invention. It helps build a sense of authenticity and gives the owner exclusive rights and legal protection. With the onset of technology, businesses are coming up with various new products and services. There are loads of businesses entering the UK thus it is essential to have a competitive edge through your invention that is protected by a patent.

Let us understand the patent registration process in the UK in depth.

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Patent registration services in United Kingdom

Countries all over the world follow a first-to-file system when it comes to patents. Similarly, the UK follows a first-to-file system as well so that anyone who files for a patent first is the rightful owner of the invention. This is why it is important to obtain a patent as soon as possible. To register a patent in the UK, the applicant can file an application online through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

You can also apply through the European Patent Office (EPO) or World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Types of Patents

Types of Patents in United Kingdom

There are different types of patents in the UK, which include utility patent and design patent. Each patent must follow these requirements:

Industrial Application: Whatever the invention is, it should have easy application in industries: can be used or made in any industry.

Novelty: Before the date of filing, the patent is not already known to the public.

Inventive: The invention should not be an obvious modification to what is already.

A lot of inventions are not eligible for a patented. These include numerical calculations or models, mental ideas or cycles, treatments essential for animals or humans, computer programs, imaginative manifestations, plans, literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works, and standards or speculations.

There are two main types of patents:

Design Patent: These patents are difficult to search because they contain illustrations and drawings of what your design/invention is rather than words describing it.
Utility Patent: A utility patent is a patent that covers the creation of a new product, process, or machine. (Improved machines can also be covered under this patent).

How to register a Patent in United Kingdom?

Step 1

Search

Conducting a thorough search should be one of your priorities. This will help you determine the types of patents your invention falls under and the possible rejection of applications. It is recommended to use a patent search service by an attorney or agent if you are inexperienced.

You can file the search and examination requests at the same time to speed up the process and save money.

Step 1

Step 2

Application

To file for a patent application in the UK, the application and all of its content have to be in English or Welsh language. If the application is filed in any other language other than English or Welsh, then a translation must be provided within two months from filing. If anything is missing, the applicant is notified and given time to produce the necessary documentation.

The application must contain:

The application fees;
Patent details;
Drawings (when necessary, for example a design);
Priority document (if applicable);
Power of Attorney;
Proof of application payment fee;
Priority claim (if applicable).

Step 2

Step 3

Examination

Applications in the UK undergo formal as well as substantive examinations. For the latter, the applicant has to request within 6 months from the publication of the application. The examination fee has to be timely paid for the substantive exams.

In case there is any issue with the application or if the examiner needs extra documentation, a notification is given to the candidate which must be responded to in due time. Failing to do so will result in the application being canceled.

Step 3

Step 4

Publication

If all the dues are paid and all the objections met, the application gets accepted. It gets published within 12 months of filing. The application is published for 90 days during which it can be objected by anyone.

Step 4

Step 5

Opposition

Interested parties can file for an opposition during the time of application’s publication. If an opposition is filed, the applicant is given time to respond accordingly, failing to respond may result in the decision going against the applicant.

Step 5

Step 6

Registration

If all the oppositions and objections are responded to accordingly and the decisions are in the favor of the applicant, the patent is granted, subject to registration fee.

The entire patent process takes around 2-5 years but if the legalities increase, the duration might increase as well. The official grant fee is not stipulated for UK patents having less than 25 claims and less than 35 pages of description.

Step 6

Price of Patents

Patent registration cost in United Kingdom

The cost may vary depending on the complexity of your invention. The cost of obtaining a patent in The UK ranges from $350 to $1000, but can increase or decrease according to your invention and the legalities involved.

Age of Patents

How long does a patent last in United Kingdom?

Patents in The UK last for 20 years, but after the 4^th year of registration, a maintenance fee has to be paid after each year, which is known as royalty/annuity. The applicant does get a grace period of six months for the late payment but by paying additional surcharge.

Establishing authenticity through a patent is extremely important, it gives exclusivity and legal rights. It stops the copycats from hampering with your invention.

At Patent International, we provide hassle-free Patent services catered to your needs, in compliance with the international requirements and standards. Patent registration in The UK doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s why Patent International is here to assist with all of your intellectual property needs.

*What to do? How to do it? When to do it? Will it work?*

If these are the questions that come to your mind when thinking of registering a Patent, you have come to the right place. We, at Patent International, answer these questions and more! Offering multiple Patent services, we guarantee client satisfaction. For expert advice and consultation, contact us now!