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A collection of guidance about applying for, managing and enforcing a patent. Patents help protect a product or process, for example machines and medicines.
A patent registers your invention and lets you take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports your invention without your permission.
A UK patent may help if you want to take legal action against someone who…
Only apply for a patent if: you’ve checked your invention does not already…
A patent application must include: a description of your invention that…
You must have prepared your documents before applying. Your initial…
Once you’ve filed an application you’ll get a receipt with your…
Before your patent can be granted the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)…
If your patent is granted: your application will be published in its final…
Find registered patents, patent applications and pending patents
Check the patents journal to find UK-registered patents granted, published and filed
Keep your details up to date in the patent register, tell the Intellectual Property Office about a change of owner or make a change to your patent
An overview of the work the IPO is undertaking in relation to Standard Essential Patents.
The Intellectual Property Office offers different methods of accelerating the processing of your patent application.
Search for decisions from patent hearings
Use this form to request a certificate of the Comptroller or a certified or uncertified copy from a file or the register.
We handle cases relating to intellectual property disputes about: patents registered designs plant varieties If the amount sought (damages) is under £500,000 then the case can also be heard by the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court . If the amount sought...
Intellectual property research publications commissioned by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) covering patents.
To protect your patent outside of the UK, you usually need to apply in each country you want protection in.
Use this form to apply for a patent to be restored
The Manual of Patent Practice explains the Intellectual Property Office's practice under the Patents Act 1977.
Keep up to date with the UK policy development in respect of Standard Essential Patents.
The Patents Act 1977 allows us to give directions in some areas, so that we can react quickly to change.
Practice notices announce changes to our practice, such as how we interpret a provision of the law, or how we handle applications.
You can make observations on the patentability of a published patent application.
Check if your company can pay a reduced rate of 10% Corporate Tax if it exploits patented inventions and innovations.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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