DF Bluem - Patent Attorney Agent Leeds. Free Patent Advice and Guidance.

COMMON PATENT MISTAKES TO AVOID

GETTING THE BEST OUT OF PATENT PROTECTION

Securing a patent is one of the most important steps an inventor or business can take to protect their innovation. However, the process can be complex - and even small mistakes can result in rejection, loss of rights or exposure of your idea to competitors.

At DF Bluem, we’ve seen many promising inventions fail to achieve protection simply because of avoidable errors. This guide explains the most common patent mistakes and how to avoid them, helping you protect your intellectual property effectively and maximise the value of your innovation.

1. DISCLOSING YOUR IDEA BEFORE FILING

One of the most damaging mistakes inventors make is publicly disclosing their invention before filing a patent application. Public disclosure can include :

Talking about your invention in public or at events.
Publishing information online, even on social media.
Showing prototypes without a confidentiality agreement.
Selling or offering the invention for sale.

Once an invention has been publicly disclosed, it usually loses its novelty, meaning it can no longer be patented.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Keep your idea confidential until a patent application is filed. If you need to share details with potential partners, investors or manufacturers, use a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). DF Bluem can provide NDAs and handle pre-filing confidentiality arrangement.

2. FAILING TO CONDUCT A PROPER PATENT SEARCH

Before investing in a patent application, it’s essential to check whether your invention is genuinely new. Many inventors skip this step, only to discover later that similar patents already exist. A professional patent search and novelty check identifies existing patents, published applications and similar technologies worldwide. This helps you :

Confirm your invention’s originality.
Avoid infringing on others’ rights.
Refine your design or claims before filing.
Save time and money on unsuccessful applications.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Always commission a patent search before drafting or filing. DF Bluem’s Patent Search & Novelty Checking service ensures your idea is truly unique and patentable.

3. WRITING THE PATENT APPLICATION INCORRECTLY

A patent application must be both technically accurate and legally precise. Poorly drafted specifications are among the top reasons applications are rejected or result in weak protection. Common drafting mistakes include :

Incomplete or vague descriptions.
Overly narrow or overly broad claims.
Missing essential drawings or reference numbers.
Inconsistent terminology between sections.

A weak patent specification can make it easy for competitors to design around your idea - or for an examiner to reject your claims.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Use a professional patent drafting service. At DF Bluem, our specialists combine technical expertise with IP knowledge to prepare strong, defensible specifications and claims.

4. CHOOSING THE WRONG TYPE OF PROTECTION

Not all innovations require the same type of intellectual property (IP) protection. Some inventions may be better suited for design registration, copyright or trade secret protection rather than a patent. Applying for the wrong type of protection can waste resources and leave you unprotected.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Seek early patent advice from experienced professionals. DF Bluem helps inventors determine whether their innovation qualifies for patent protection or another form of IP security.

5. IGNORING AN INTERNATIONAL PATENT STRATEGY

A UK patent only protects your invention within the United Kingdom. If you plan to sell or manufacture abroad, you’ll need to apply for protection in other countries - often within 12 months of your initial UK filing. Many inventors overlook this deadline, losing their right to file internationally later.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Plan your international patent strategy early. DF Bluem’s International Patent Services help you extend your protection globally through the PCT or EPO systems, ensuring you meet key deadlines.

6. NOT REVIEWING THE CLAIMS CAREFULLY

Your patent claims define the legal scope of your protection. They are the most important part of your application - yet they are often misunderstood or overlooked by inventors. If claims are too broad, they may be rejected by the examiner. If too narrow, they may offer little real protection.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Work with a professional who understands how to balance technical coverage with legal strength. At DF Bluem, our drafting process ensures your claims are both compliant and commercially strategic.

7. MISSING DEADLINES OR RENEWAL FEES

Patents involve strict procedural deadlines and ongoing renewal fees. Missing a single deadline - whether for responding to an examiner or paying a renewal fee - can cause your patent application to lapse or your granted patent to expire.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Use a professional patent management service to track deadlines, renewal dates and correspondence. DF Bluem provides portfolio management and deadline monitoring to help clients maintain their IP assets effortlessly.

8. TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF

Patent law is complex and even experienced inventors can make costly mistakes when attempting to file or draft patents on their own. DIY or online patent services may appear cheaper, but they often lack the technical accuracy, strategic insight and legal compliance needed for long-term protection.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Engage with qualified professionals who understand both the technical and legal aspects of patenting. DF Bluem’s experienced design and IP team supports inventors from initial idea through to patent grant and commercialisation.

9. OVERLOOKING COMMERCIAL VIABILITY

A patent doesn’t automatically mean profit. Many inventors file patents for ideas that are not commercially viable - either due to limited market demand, high manufacturing costs or competing technologies.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Combine patenting with market validation and commercial assessment. DF Bluem’s invention assessment services evaluate your idea’s technical feasibility, target market and investment potential before you commit to costly filings.

10. FORGETTING CONFIDENTIALITY AFTER FILING

Even after filing your application, confidentiality remains crucial until your patent is published (usually 18 months later). Sharing details prematurely can invite imitation or competitive filings in other countries.

HOW TO AVOID IT

Limit disclosure to trusted partners and ensure NDAs remain in place until your patent is officially published.

HOW DF BLUEM HELPS YOU AVOID PATENT MISTAKES

At DF Bluem, we’ve guided hundreds of inventors and product developers through the patenting process - helping them avoid common errors and strengthen their IP position. Our services include :

Patent Search & Novelty Checking
Patent Drafting & Specification Writing
Patent Application Filing (UK and International)
Invention Assessment & Commercialisation Support
Confidentiality and IP Strategy Guidance

By combining product design expertise with intellectual property knowledge, we ensure every patent application we prepare is technically sound, legally compliant and commercially valuable.