Date: 21st March 2023
Protecting the Intellectual Property Rights of your new invention idea is a valuable step in the process of bringing it to the market.
However applying for a patent can cost between £1000 and £2,500 or more
(depending on complexity) but our patent agent can apply for just £250
(+VAT).
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, IP rights can add significant
value to your company and set you apart from competitors. Normally the
best way to protect something which is functionally new is to apply for a
patent. Although this is not applicable to every project and sometimes
alternative protection such as a registered design may be more
appropriate.
Intellectual Property Rights provide you with protection of your assets. There are a number of ways to achieve this such as a patent, trade mark or registered design, among others.
A patent protects the functionality -WHAT it does, HOW it works, and WHY it has certain features and to be applicable for a patent your invention must be either; a new idea, an improvement upon an existing idea or a new combination of existing ideas.
Sometimes a registered design may be more relevant than a patent and can better protect the product (i.e. a new shape for a chair). This can stop other people copying a unique design. A registered design protects the appearance of the invention.
A patent provides the owner with protection by preventing others from making, selling or importing the invention for the duration of the patent, which can provide the monopoly for up to 20 years from filing.
This process is therefore a valuable strategic asset that can act as both a deterrent and an enforceable legal right.
There are a number of key requirements for getting a valid patent one of which is that the invention is not already in the public domain so it is vital that you do not disclose your idea publicly.
It is also a requirement that the invention is non-obvious; the idea must consist of more than just trivial or straightforward differences to known technology.
The procedure is fairly complex and in practise requires the services of an expert to ensure all requirements are met and that any protection you do get meets your commercial needs.
The Inventions Factory work in partnership with professional patent attorneys to ensure you obtain the required protection.
Until recently the majority of our clients patents were written by G. H. Jones (OBE). Sadly Mr Jones recently passed away and this has prompted us to form a new working relationship with Agile IP.
Agile IP are a team of like-minded professionals with many years experience in a range of technical and legal sectors.
They provide a top-tier service whilst being mindful of the need to be flexible and cost effective.
"Our clients testify that they appreciate our enthusiasm and commercial approach to IP."
- Agile IP
"The Firm is made up of UK & European qualified Attorneys with experience of both private and industrial practise and who have acted for some of the world's leading technology providers. We are enthusiastic about our work and how we can help clients add value to their business using our knowledge and experience in what is an interesting, but sometimes complex area of the law.
Our client base is varied and truly international. We work for individuals, SMEs and larger corporations."
Applying for a patent can be a lengthy process but Agile IP offer a rapid service at a competitive rate. For just £250 +VAT Agile will prepare and submit a rapid patent on your behalf allowing a window of 12 months to complete a more comprehensive patent application.
If in those 12 months you come to the conclusion that you don't want to invest that kind of money then there is no obligation to do so: you can just let the application lapse and then come back to it at a later stage (Please discuss these details with your preferred patent agent before making a decision.)
In the UK you can prepare a patent application and submit it yourself to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO, formerly the Patent Office) at minimal cost but we believe that this is a false economy.
A patent specification is a legal document which needs to carefully explain and define your invention. If it is challenged later it needs to be written in a way that will be defendable. This requires professional expertise to represent you before the UK and/or European Patent Offices.
Do not be tempted to apply for a patent too early.
The temptation to do this is very strong because of the fear that someone will get there ahead of you. But it’s essential to do the proof-of-concept things first:
There is no point in applying for a patent before completing these vital stages as you may find that once your product has been developed, the patentable aspect may change.
At the inventions Factory, our primary function is building and developing prototypes. We have over 20 years experience and can help you avoid common hurdles in the process.
If you are interested in applying for a Patent or would like some more information, please get in touch.