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• Updated: 11 October 2024

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…

This guidance relates to Technical Standards and Standard Development Organisations to describe the typical first step in a Standard Essential Patent (SEP) journey.

• Updated: 22 July 2024

• Updated: 1 January 2010

• Updated: 30 August 2022

Use these general provisions to help you determine the origin of your products.

• Updated: 6 October 2021

How to apply for a clinical trial including eligibility, phases, model IMPDs, costs and how to make changes to your application.

• Updated: 27 August 2024

Sections (2.01 - 2.41) last updated April 2025.

• Updated: 3 October 2022

Guide to licensing procedure and other restrictions for export of controlled dual-use items, software and technology, goods for torture and radioactive sources.

• Updated: 19 July 2023

Past and current clinical trials into therapeutic and antiviral treatments for COVID-19, how to take part, and which treatments have proven to be effective.

• Updated: 31 March 2023