Search all content on GOV.UK

A patent registers your invention and lets you take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports your invention without your permission.

• Overview

  A UK patent may help if you want to take legal action against someone who…

• Before you apply

  Only apply for a patent if: you’ve checked your invention does not already…

• Prepare your application

  A patent application must include: a description of your invention that…

• File your initial application

  You must have prepared your documents before applying. Your initial…

• After you apply

  Once you’ve filed an application you’ll get a receipt with your…

• Search, publication and 'substantive examination'

  Before your patent can be granted the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)…

• When a patent is granted

  If your patent is granted: your application will be published in its final…

Registering land or property in England - first time registration, transfer of ownership, changing your details on the register, where to register in Scotland or Northern Ireland

• When you must register

  This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg). You must register all…

• Register for the first time

  Land or property must be registered for the first time if it’s…

• Change the registered owner name

  You must apply to HM Land Registry to change the registered owner name for…

• Update or correct the register

  You must tell HM Land Registry if anything in the register changes or it…

Forms and guidance on probate including fees, where to send your probate forms (PA1A and PA1P) and supplementary forms to support your application.

• Updated: 25 October 2022

General advice for conveyancers on how to avoid requisitions.

• Updated: 14 April 2022

Manage the finances or property of a missing person, someone kidnapped or taken hostage, or in a foreign prison and not able to communicate. Apply to the High Court to be a guardian. You'll need a guardianship order.

Find out if Inheritance Tax is due on assets transferred in or out of a trust and on certain trusts at each 10 year anniversary.

• Updated: 6 April 2025

Staying on top of finances is vital for small companies. A good accountant can help you do this and more.

• Updated: 7 July 2023

Structuring, designing and publishing your API documentation

• Updated: 17 January 2022

Value the estate of someone who's died so that you can get probate: work out if tax is due, check how to report the estate's value, complete the correct form.

Find out what transactions to include in the amount you use to work out Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

• Updated: 26 October 2022