International Exhibitions

You should not disclose, that is show anyone or tell anyone about, your invention before applying for a patent for it. However, if you have shown your invention at an International Exhibition, you can ask us to ignore this when we examine your invention to decide whether it is new and inventive.

How should you let us know your invention has been disclosed at an International Exhibition?

When you apply for a patent, you must tell us in writing that you displayed the invention at an International Exhibition.

Within four months of filing the application, you must send us a certificate, issued at the exhibition by the authority responsible for the exhibition, stating that the invention was exhibited there. The certificate must state the opening date of the exhibition and, the date of the first disclosure of the invention if this is different. You must send identification of the invention authenticated by the authority with the certificate.

Which exhibitions are International Exhibitions?

To check whether an exhibition qualifies as an International Exhibition, contact the International Exhibitions Bureau.

Further information

Further information is available in Section 2(4)(c) of the Patents Act 1977 and rule 5 of the Patents Rules 2007 are the relevant legal provisions for International Exhibitions.