How to Patent an Invention in the UK
If you've conceived the next "big" invention, the first thing you should do to make your invention a reality is to make sure it is protected. Patenting your invention in the United Kingdom will make sure that you decide who profits from your invention. The application process to receive a patent in the United Kingdom can take three to four years to complete. The sooner you begin preparing your application the sooner your invention will receive patent protection.
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Instructions
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Prepare a patent specification. In the United Kingdom, a patent specification includes three elements: description and drawings, claims and an abstract. The description is a written description of your invention and can also include drawings to illustrate your description. Claims are single-sentence statements that describe your invention's technical features. Finally, an abstract is a summary that includes the technical aspects of your invention.
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Complete Form 1, which is a request for a grant of patent. Form 1 can be printed from the Intellectual Property Office official website. Form 1 must be typed or filled out in all capital letters using black ink. It must then be submitted to the Intellectual Property Office along with your patent specification.
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Wait to receive a filing receipt from the Intellectual Property Office. Once the Intellectual Property Office has received Form 1, along with your patent specification, they will contact you with a filing receipt that confirms your filing date and includes your patent application number.
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File a form to request a search. Complete and file form 9A to request that the Intellectual Property Office perform a search to make sure there isn't already an invention like yours. Form 9A can be obtained from the Intellectual Property Office official website and must be filed within 12 months of your filing date to avoid termination of your application.
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Wait for your patent application to be processed by the Intellectual Property Office. Once your application has been examined and found to meet all the requirements of the Patents Act 1977, your patent will be published. You will then be issued a certificate of patent from the Intellectual Property Office.
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Tips & Warnings
You can find examples of completed patent applications at http://www.espacenet.com/index.en.htm.
You must file Form 9A to request a search within 12 months of your filing date. If a search is not filed within 12 months of the filing date, your application could be terminated.
