Patents

What else you might like to know about Patents

If your business wishes to protect intellectual property, a legal service provider is well placed to provide advice and establish patents on your behalf. Here is some basic advice and guidance to inform your choice of legal expert.

What is a patent?

A patent is an important form of intellectual property protection, which legally acknowledges a particular creation as your own. Under a patent, exclusive rights to the product are granted to the inventor in exchange for full public disclosure on the product, how it is made and how it works. Owning a patent provides substantial legal protection and rights.

How do I register a patent?

It is possible to apply for a patent through the Intellectual Property Office. Once granted, a patent gives you a 20-year exclusivity on the manufacture, sale, import or use of an invention.

Can a patent be refused?

The Intellectual Property Office retains the right to refuse any patent submitted on a number of grounds. Typically the IPO will take issue with a specific element of a patent application because it conflicts with a pre-existing patent or because it is too vague and indistinct.

Why do I need a legal service provider?

A legal service provider will be able to act as an intellectual property advisor, drawing up the application documents, including the synopsis, product action description and technical drawings.

How do I choose the right legal service provider?

It is worth considering a number of factors when choosing a legal expert to assist you with an intellectual property matter such as a patent application. As a specialist field of law, it is important that you bring in an intellectual property specialist to ensure that the process is completed smoothly and without any unforeseen problems.

What will it cost me to apply for a patent?

Having a solicitor advise upon and put in place the necessary documentation to establish your patentt can often be done on a fixed fee basis. However, if you regularly require support in relation to intellectual property matters, hiring a legal expert on a retainer basis may be a straightforward and cost-effective option.

Who can help if my patent is being infringed?

You should always speak to your chosen legal expert if you believe that your patent of intellectual property is being infringed, as they can provide essential knowledge and guidance. You can also reach out to the Intellectual Property Office.