How to Register a Patent in Britain

Submit a detailed abstract explaining the technical details of your patent during the application process.

If you come up with an invention that you believe will be a financial success, consider patenting your idea to prevent it from being copied or stolen by others. Patents are filed in Britain with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office. To qualify for a patent, your idea must be new and capable of being made or used in an industry; ideas such as math formulas and art can't be patented. Applying for a patent can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Properly research your invention to confirm your idea is profitable and qualifies for a patent before applying.

Things You'll Need

• A great idea
• Patience
• Money
• Legal Advice

Instructions

1. Finish designing your invention and make sure it works as planned. Don't spend the time or money filing a patent before you know whether your idea works.

2. Pay for a search of the U.K. patent database to confirm that your idea is original and not already patented. The cost of your search depends on the complexity of your idea. Search costs start at £785, or about $1,276, as of 2011.

3. Complete the patent application form for your invention. This form may be downloaded from the U.K. Intellectual Property Office website.

4. Prepare a full description of your invention with diagrams. List the claims defining your invention that you wish to patent. Also prepare a summary of the technical details of your invention.

5. Mail your completed application, invention descriptions and the patent application fee to the Intellectual Property Office. The office's address is listed on its website. Your total fee depends on how complicated it is for the patent office to analyze your invention.

6. Consider hiring an intellectual property lawyer to guide you through the process. He can help you research your invention, prepare your documents and prevent any delays in your application.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to submit all of your completed invention descriptions with your application form. You may submit your application form first as you finish writing your descriptions. Be sure to complete everything promptly, as your application is voided if all documents aren't received within 12 months of your initial submission.

• The process is long and thorough, be prepared for bumps in the road

References

• Intellectual Property Office: Apply for a Patent
• Intellectual Property Office: Patentability Search