Apply for a patent
Decide which type of application to file
There are different applications you can make depending on:
- your situation, for example what stage of the application process you’re at
- confidence in whether your invention is new
- the development stage of your invention
A patent attorney can advise on the most suitable type of patent application to file.
Apply for a filing date only
You can submit the minimum information required to secure a legal filing date with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). You can decide to request a search and examination later.
This application must include:
- a description of the invention
- any drawings that illustrate the description
| Filing method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply online | No fee |
| Apply by post (if you pay when you apply) | £120 |
| Apply by post (if you pay later) | £240 |
Apply for a filing date and search
You can apply for both a filing date and a search. This means the IPO will also carry out a search to assess whether your invention is new and inventive. You can decide to request an examination later.
This application must include:
- a description
- any drawings which illustrate the description
- the ‘claims’ - the legal statements that set out the technical features of your invention
| Filing method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply online | £210 plus £27 for each claim over 25 claims |
| Apply by post | £270 plus £27 for each claim over 25 claims |
Apply for a filing date, search and examination
You can apply for a filing date, search and an examination. This means the IPO will also examine the application to see if it meets requirements for a granted patent.
This application must include:
- a description
- any drawings which illustrate the description
- the ‘claims’ - the legal statements that set out the technical features of your invention
| Filing method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Apply online | £405 plus £27 for each claim over 25 claims, and £10 for each page of description over 35 pages |
| Apply by post | £400 plus £27 for each claim over 25 claims, and £10 for each page of description over 35 pages |
IPO fees do not include any professional help or advice. If you use a patent attorney or other professional adviser, you will have to pay them separately.