Should I apply abroad?

United Kingdom (UK) patents only give you protection in the UK, so you should consider protection abroad as well.

Permission to file a patent application abroad may be required in some cases. Before considering protection abroad, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you want to sell your invention abroad?

You may not want to do this now, but you need to think ahead and decide if this is a possibility in the future.

Do you want to license your patent to allow others to make your invention abroad?

This could prevent unlicensed copying or use of your invention.

If you answered no to both questions, you probably do not need to apply abroad. However, please remember this allows anyone to legally make, sell or use your invention abroad.

If you answered yes to either question, you should consider which option for protection abroad works best for you. You can:

Extend your patent

Some countries may allow you to extend your UK patent, and accept it as protected in that country after completing certain local formalities.

Apply to individual national patent offices

Apply to individual national patent offices if you want protection in individual countries.

Apply under the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) to countries worldwide

Apply under the PCT to get protection in a selection of countries worldwide.

Apply under the European Patent Convention (EPC) to countries in Europe

Apply under the EPC to get protection in a selection of European countries.

Use a combination of routes

You can use a combination of routes to apply for protection abroad. For example, you can apply in a single country, including the UK, and apply later elsewhere using the first application to claim priority.