Using and buying patents
You may be able to use or buy other people's patents.
If you want to use other people’s patents, you usually need permission. If you use patented inventions without permission, you are infringing the patent and the owner can take legal action against you and claim damages.
If you want to use a patented invention, you can approach the owner to agree a licence with them.
You may also be able to buy the patent rights from the owner. This results in transferring the ownership, or assigning it, to you.
Using
Infringing
If you manufacture, use, sell or import a patented product or process without the patent owner's permission, they can take legal action against you.
Licensing
You may be able to get a license allowing you to manufacture, use, sell or import a patented product or process.
Certified and uncertified copies
You can use a certified copy to prove details about a patent or as evidence in a legal dispute.
Buying
Transferring ownership
If you buy or acquire a patent, there are benefits to telling us that you are the new owner.
