If you’d like to learn more about the patent process, you’ve come to the right place.
In this Patents section of our Knowledge Centre we’ve brought together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about patenting, from basics through to advanced. It’s our aim to give you as much knowledge as you want to pick up, while, at the same, time, helping our clients to make the right decisions whether they know a lot about IP or not.
Click on any of the lines in red to find more details.
And if you’ve got a general question that’s not answered here, do feel free to send it to us – just use the “Contact Us” button. We’ll do our best to write an answer.
Patent Basics
What is a patent?
How long does a patent last?
Why should a patent give a monopoly?
What is a patentable invention?
What is not patentable?
Can I apply for a patent myself?
What is patent drafting?
What is a patent specification?
What is a patent application?
What is a Patent Attorney?
What is a ‘patent pending’?
How quickly can I get a patent pending?
What are the disadvantages of Patent Applications written at short notice?
I disclosed my invention at an exhibition – I’ve heard that I can still get a patent
Patent Costs
Why does a patent cost so much?
What are official fees?
How are official fees set?
Why does it cost more to renew a patent each year?
International Patents
What is a European Patent?
At what point does it become more cost effective to file a European Patent rather than individual national patents?
Advanced Patents
What makes a patent a strong patent?
How useful is a weak patent?
What is a patent opposition?
What is a Supplementary Protection Certificate?
What is a patent search?
What is a patent watch?
Flowchart of the Patent Process
Commercial Considerations
What’s a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Commercially Effective Intellectual Property Rights – A Case Study
Click here to download our Handy Guide to Patents in PDF format.