A: A patent is a legal right that protects a new and inventive technical solution to a problem. It gives you the exclusive ability to stop others from making, using, or selling your invention without your permission for up to twenty years. Patents are particularly valuable because they can create barriers to entry for competitors, attract investors, and significantly increase the valuation of your company.
A: To qualify for patent protection, an invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. This means it should solve a problem in a non-obvious way and have a practical use. Most products, processes, systems, or improvements to existing technology can be patented if they meet these requirements. However, abstract ideas, business methods, computer programs as such, and artistic creations cannot be patented. Our attorneys can help you assess whether your invention meets the legal criteria before you invest in filing.
A: The time from filing an initial patent application to receiving a granted patent can vary. In the UK, it typically takes between three and five years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the patent office. Accelerated procedures can shorten this timeframe. During the process, your application will undergo examination to ensure it meets legal requirements and is sufficiently distinct from earlier inventions. We guide clients through every stage to ensure smooth progression and timely grant.
A: Yes. While patents are territorial, there are international systems that simplify global protection. You can file separate national applications or submit a single international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which allows you to seek protection in multiple countries at once. Alternatively, you can use regional routes such as the European Patent Office (EPO). We help clients build coordinated filing strategies that balance coverage with cost and align with their business objectives.
A: Publicly disclosing an invention before filing a patent application can be fatal to its patentability. Once details are made public through a presentation, website, publication, or even informal discussions the invention is no longer considered new. To preserve your rights, it is crucial to file a patent application before any public disclosure or to ensure confidentiality agreements are in place with potential partners or investors.
A: A patent landscape is a detailed analysis of existing patents within a specific field of technology. It helps businesses understand who is active in a given space, what technologies are emerging, and where opportunities or risks may lie. By mapping out competitor activity, you can make informed R&D decisions, avoid infringement, and identify white space for innovation. Patent landscapes are also valuable for investors assessing the strength of a company’s technology portfolio.
A: A freedom-to-operate opinion is an assessment of whether your product or process is likely to infringe any existing patents. Before launching a new technology, it’s wise to conduct a clearance search to identify potential risks. Our team analyses relevant patents and provides practical advice on how to avoid infringement, such as modifying your design, obtaining licences, or challenging blocking patents. This proactive step can save substantial costs and avoid disputes later.
A: Yes. A granted patent gives you the right to take legal action against unauthorised use of your invention. Enforcement options include negotiation, licensing, mediation, or litigation, depending on your commercial aims and the severity of the infringement. We work with clients to select the most effective strategy for enforcing their rights while minimising cost and disruption to their business.
A: A European patent opposition allows you to challenge a patent granted to someone else by the European Patent Office. This can be a powerful tool if a competitor’s patent restricts your business activity or appears invalid. By filing an opposition within nine months of grant, you can ask the EPO to revoke or amend the patent. We represent both opponents and patent owners in these proceedings, helping businesses protect their interests strategically.
A: It’s a common misconception that a patent only has value if you can personally afford to defend it. In reality, a patent does much more than provide legal protection, it creates a tangible asset that signals innovation, ownership, and commercial potential. Even if you never bring an infringement case yourself, holding a patent strengthens your company’s credibility, increases its valuation, and can make you a more attractive partner or acquisition target.
A: It’s a common misconception that a patent only has value if you can personally afford to defend it. In reality, a patent does much more than provide legal protection, it creates a tangible asset that signals innovation, ownership, and commercial potential. Even if you never bring an infringement case yourself, holding a patent strengthens your company’s credibility, increases its valuation, and can make you a more attractive partner or acquisition target.
