We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Did you mean %pEOple%20 Patent?
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…
There are different applications you can make depending on: your…
A patent application must include: a description of your invention that…
Before you file your application, make sure that you’ve: decided on what…
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…
Buy or get someone's permission to use a patent, trade mark, design or work under copyright
You can usually get permission to use someone else’s intellectual property…
To use an existing trade mark you should contact the current owner. Find…
Contact the owner of the patent to see if they’ll: license it to you sell…
You cannot copy or use copyright material without permission. For example,…
To use a registered design you must contact the current owner and either…
Renew and pay for a GB or European patent online - when renewal is due, fees, renew by post or phone instead
Information to help you protect, manage and enforce your intellectual property (IP) rights in Australia.
Information to help you protect, manage and enforce your intellectual property (IP) rights in Malaysia.
Information to help you protect, manage and enforce your intellectual property (IP) rights in Canada.
Information to help you protect, manage and enforce your intellectual property (IP) rights in China.
Information to help you protect, manage and enforce your intellectual property (IP) rights in Singapore.
Request a correction or change to a name or address for a patent at the Intellectual Property Office.
Guidance on patents hearings and how to appeal against an outcome.
Do not include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).