A patent provides a temporary monopoly for a technical invention in return for full disclosure of the invention. The aim is to encourage people to disclose their inventions rather than keep them secret. In return, and assuming the invention satisfies the legal requirements for grant, the patent enables the owner to stop others making, selling or importing the invention for the duration of the patent, which can be up to 20 years from filing.
A key requirement for getting a valid patent is that the invention is not already in the public domain. It is therefore important you contact us before disclosing your idea publicly. Another requirement is that the invention is non-obvious; the idea need not make a quantum leap over known technology but trivial or straightforward differences will not confer patentability.
If you have an idea that you would like to patent, we recommend you call us initially so that we can discuss whether your idea is likely to be patentable. We also offer a free initial meeting at which we will advise in more detail and take you through the process and likely costs involved.
Our patent services include:
 Patentability opinionsDrafting patent specificationsFiling to grant representation in UK and EuropeOverseas filing programsPortfolio management
|
Searching & watchingservicesTransfers and licensingLitigationRenewals |
