Should you apply

The application fee GBP £30 relates to the preliminary examination of an application and is not a filing fee.  Once we have done the preliminary examination of your application, we cannot refund the application fee for any reason. Before making your application, ask yourself the following questions:

Have you considered other forms of protection?

There maybe other forms of protection, that are more suitable for your invention, instead of or in addition to patent protection.

Does your product meet the requirements for protection?

To be eligible for patent protection, your invention must be new, inventive and must not be of an excluded type.

Is your invention new?

We cannot grant a patent, if your invention is public, you should try to find it elsewhere before applying for a patent.

Are you the legal owner of your invention?

A patent applicant may be an individual or a corporate body, and persons (whether individuals or corporate bodies) can make joint applications.

Have you received enough advice?

You can get confidential advice regarding your proposed application from a number of different sources, such as patent attorneys, solicitors, or our staff.

Have you considered patent protection abroad?

A United Kingdom (UK) patent is a territorial right that only gives protection in the UK. Check out the alternatives if you are thinking of protection abroad.

Permission to file a patent application abroad may be required in some cases.

If you answered yes to all of these questions, continue to 'How much does it cost?'.