How do I patent an idea

You cannot patent an idea. However, you can patent an invention, product or a process that is new, novel and inventive, that's capable of industrial application.

Here's a step-by-step guide to patenting an invention in the UK :

1. Check If Your Idea Is Patentable

To be eligible for patent protection, an invention must meet these criteria :

Novelty : It must be new and not disclosed to the public prior to filing.
Inventiveness : It must involve an inventive step that isn’t obvious based on existing knowledge.
Industrial applicability : It must be capable of being used or produced in some form of industry.
Technical contribution : It must contribute something new or improved in terms of technology.

You cannot patent :

Scientific or mathematical discoveries.
Artistic creations like literature or music.
Methods for performing mental acts.
Methods for medical treatment.

2. Conduct a Patent Search

Check if your invention has already been patented. You can do this using the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) search tool or use databases like Espacenet for international patents.

3. Prepare Your Patent Application

A patent application comprises of four elements :

Description of your invention, including how it works and how it can be used.
Claims, which define the scope of the protection you're seeking.
Drawings (if necessary), illustrating your invention.
Abstract, summarising the invention in a brief form.

You can prepare the application yourself or hire a patent attorney to help ensure your application is clear and legally sound.

4. Filing the Patent Application

You can file your patent application with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). You can file it online via the IPO website.
The filing fee is currently £60 (if done online).
You will also need to pay an additional search fee (£150 or £180 depending on the type) and examination fee (£100 or £130 depending on the method).

5. Patent Search and Examination

The IPO will carry out a search to see if your invention is novel. After that, the IPO will examine your application in detail, checking if it meets all the legal requirements.

6. Publication

Once the IPO is satisfied that your application is complete, it will be published 18 months from the filing date.

7. Substantive Examination

This examination ensures your patent application is sufficiently inventive. If successful, your patent will be granted, and you’ll need to pay annual renewal fees to keep it active.

8. Patent Grant

If your application is successful, the IPO will grant your patent. It will then be published, and you will have exclusive rights over your invention for up to 20 years.

UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) costs

Application Fee: £60
Search Fee: £150-£180
Examination Fee: £100-£130
Renewal Fees: Annually starting from the 5th year