Patent Application Process
Once you decide that you want to register a patent, you should approach a patent attorney or advisor. These are the following steps you should consider: • Search for similar patents to check if your invention is new or not. • Prepare the patent application. • File the patent application and request a search from UK Intellectual Property Office. A Search must be requested within 12 months of filing the application. Form 9A should be used to request a search on a patent application. • Receive the search report from IPO which usually takes 6 months. • Your application will be published after 18 months of filing it. Your application will be published in the online patents journal on the IPO website. • Within 6 months of publication, you should request for substantive examination. The examination checks whether the invention is new and for other legal requirements. Form 10 should be used to request a substantive examination. • The examination process may take several years after you file your application where you would have to respond to comments from IPO’s “substantive examination”. • The application thereafter will be either accepted or refused.
Preparing the Application
Your application must include the following details: • Description of your invention that allows others to see how your invention is made and works. • Legal statements that state the technical features of your invention that are to be protected. It is also known as claims. • You must give a summary of all the technical aspects of your invention. It is also known as abstract. • You may also include any drawings if you need it to illustrate your invention. The description and drawings should be attached with the application form. • If you’re not the inventor or there are multiple inventors or if you’re applying on behalf of a company, then you must complete a statement of inventorship. A statement of inventorship gives the IPO information about the owner and why you have the right to apply for the patent.
Completion of Registration Process
After you apply for a patent, you receive a receipt with your application number and the date your application is received. If your patent is granted your application will be published and you will receive a certificate.
Patent Renewal
From here on you will have to renew your patent on the fourth anniversary from when you filed it. Following which you need to renew it every year. You should renew upto 3 months before or within 1 month after the due date to avoid surcharge. A patent can be renewed for a maximum period of 20 years.
