Patents

If you’re going to invest in new product development, a patent can help make sure that other businesses can’t simply copy your ideas.

What you need to know if you are considering patenting your invention, including why you should do it, using an agent and the costs involved

This guide will help you decide if a patent is right for your invention; the process by which patents are granted; and how to enforce your patent

This tool takes you through the step-by-step process of applying for a UK patent online using the Intellectual Property Office web filing service

Patents need to be renewed four years after they have been initially filed. You then need to renew it every year up to a maximum of 20 years

Search the online patents register to find information on UK patents, current patent applications and the status of granted patents