HOW MUCH DOES A UK PATENT COST

Understanding the cost of obtaining a UK patent is essential for any inventor or business planning to protect a new product, process or technological development. A UK patent can cost as little as £350 if you prepare and file the application yourself, making it an accessible route for those with limited budgets. However, most inventors choose to work with a patent attorney to ensure the application is drafted correctly and provides strong legal protection. When a patent attorney is involved, the total cost typically ranges between £2,000 and £6,000 depending on the complexity of the invention, the amount of technical detail required and the level of strategic input needed.

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Patent costs are spread across the full application process rather than paid upfront. The initial cost covers the drafting and filing of the application. After twelve months, the first official fee becomes due for the preliminary search. A further twelve months later, the fee for the substantive examination is paid. This phased structure helps inventors manage their budget more effectively and allows time to evaluate whether the invention has commercial potential before incurring further expense.

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If you produce the patent application yourself, your costs remain limited to the official UK Intellectual Property Office fees, which vary slightly depending on whether you submit your application online or via paper filing. If you employ a patent attorney or agency, every action they take on your behalf - including reviewing your invention, drafting the specification, advising on prior art -  communicating with the Patent Office - will attract a professional cost unless you have agreed a fixed-fee arrangement in advance.

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PATENT COST V VALUE

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Whether a patent represents good value depends entirely on the strength of the invention and your commercial strategy. A patent can be a powerful business asset, but only when the underlying intellectual property is technically sound, commercially viable and defensible against competitors. If the invention lacks feasibility, market demand or technical differentiation, the value of a patent may be limited. Your objectives, resources and long-term business plans all influence whether securing a patent is the right decision.

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A weak or poorly drafted patent can be easily worked around and provides little real protection. A well-crafted, technically detailed patent, however, can prevent competitors from copying or designing around your product, strengthening your competitive position and increasing the commercial value of the invention. In many cases, the real value of a patent comes from its role within a wider commercial strategy that includes product development, prototyping, testing, branding, marketing and eventual market launch. A patent alone is rarely enough; it is most powerful when supported by a structured plan to bring the invention to market.

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WHY USE A PATENT ATTORNEY ?

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Although anyone can file a patent application with the UK Intellectual Property Office, drafting a strong patent requires specialist knowledge. Patent attorneys are trained to assess prior art, evaluate whether an invention is genuinely novel, understand potential workarounds competitors may attempt -  draft claims that provide broad yet enforceable protection. This is a highly technical skill - without the right expertise it is extremely easy to file an application that is too narrow, incomplete or vulnerable to objections from the Patent Office.

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A patent attorney also understands how to respond to the IPO’s examination reports, challenge objections -  refine the claims to secure the strongest possible protection. Their experience significantly increases the likelihood that your patent will be granted and that it will be commercially valuable once granted. While using a patent attorney is not legally required, it is often the best way to ensure your invention receives the level of protection it deserves.

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WHAT IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A PATENT ATTORNEY ?

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If hiring a patent attorney is not financially possible, it is important to consider whether your business has the resources to manage the other essential stages of commercialising an invention. Securing a patent is only one part of the process. Successful commercialisation also requires investment in product design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, branding and marketing. Without the budget to progress these stages, a patent alone will not generate revenue or business success.

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In some cases, inventors may choose to file an initial application themselves to secure a filing date and then seek professional input later when funds become available. However, this approach carries risks because errors in the original application cannot be corrected once filed. Before deciding to proceed without professional support, it is important to weigh the long-term commercial implications and the potential impact on the strength of your intellectual property protection.