Free Patent search
Free Patent search
Free Patent search
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
WORKING WITH BLUEM
WHY CHOOSE US AS YOUR PATENT LAWYER AND BUSINESS PARTNER
Choosing the right patent lawyer / partner is an important decision. We combine technical expertise with practical commercial understanding to help inventors, entrepreneurs and businesses protect and maximise the value of their intellectual property.
Unlike many firms that focus solely on filing applications, we take the time to understand your invention, technology or brand, your commercial objectives and the markets you intend to operate in. This enables us to provide tailored advice that supports both robust intellectual property protection and long-term business success.
Whether you are an independent inventor, start-up, SME or established organisation, our experienced team can assist with patents, trade marks, registered designs and wider intellectual property strategy. We pride ourselves on providing clear advice, transparent communication and practical solutions throughout every stage of the process.
DO YOU OFFER AN INITIAL PATENT CONSULTATION
Yes. We offer an initial consultation to discuss your invention, innovation, brand or design and to understand your objectives.
During this meeting we explain the available forms of intellectual property protection, discuss the most appropriate strategy for your circumstances and answer any questions you may have about the application process, likely costs and anticipated timescales.
The consultation also allows us to assess whether your project is suitable for patent protection, trade mark registration or registered design protection before you commit to any significant expenditure.
Following the consultation, we provide clear recommendations outlining the next steps and the services that will best support your commercial objectives.
HOW DOES THE PATENT APPLICATION PROCESS WORK
Every project is different, but most follow a structured process designed to maximise the strength and value of your intellectual property
We begin by understanding your invention or business, reviewing any existing documentation and discussing your commercial objectives. Where appropriate, we may recommend patent searches, trade mark searches or design searches before preparing your application.
Once your application has been filed with the relevant Intellectual Property Office, it undergoes examination to ensure it satisfies the legal requirements for registration or grant. During this period, we manage all correspondence on your behalf, respond to examination reports and advise on any amendments that may be required.
Following successful examination, your intellectual property proceeds to registration or grant, after which we can continue advising on renewals, enforcement, international protection, licensing and commercialisation.
IS MY INVENTION OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY KEPT CONFIDENTIAL
Yes. Confidentiality is extremely important to us. To safeguard your project and confidential and sensitive information, our assessment and review process is carried out in accordance with our Confidentiality Policy. All enquiries, assessments and commercial discussions are handled professionally and confidentially throughout the process.
Where appropriate or necessary, we also have no issue signing Confidentiality Agreements (CAs) / Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) prior to the disclosure of confidential information or intellectual property details.
DO I NEED A PROTOTYPE BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PATENT
No. A working prototype is not required to obtain a patent. Many successful patent applications are filed before a physical product has been manufactured. What matters is that your invention can be described in sufficient technical detail for a person skilled in the relevant field to understand how it works and reproduce the invention.
If you already have prototypes, CAD models, engineering drawings or test results, these can often help us prepare a stronger patent specification. However, many clients begin the patent process with detailed sketches, concepts or technical descriptions.
CAN YOU HELP IF I HAVE ALREADY FILED MY OWN APPLICATION
Yes. Many clients come to us after submitting their own patent, trade mark or registered design application and require professional assistance as the process progresses.
We can review your existing application, identify potential weaknesses, respond to examination reports and advise on amendments where these are legally permissible.
Obtaining professional advice before an application proceeds too far can often improve the prospects of successfully securing intellectual property protection while avoiding unnecessary delays or complications.
DO YOU WORK WITH INDIVIDUAL INVENTORS, START-UPS AND BUSINESSES
Yes. We work with first-time inventors, entrepreneurs, start-up companies, SMEs, universities and established international organisations.
Whether you have a single invention or manage a substantial intellectual property portfolio, we tailor our advice to suit your commercial objectives, technical requirements and available budget. Every client receives the same commitment to quality, technical excellence and practical commercial advice.
CAN YOU HELP CLIENTS OUTSIDE THE UK
Yes. Although we are based in the United Kingdom, we regularly assist clients throughout the UK and internationally. Because intellectual property rights are territorial, protection normally needs to be obtained in each country or region where commercial activity is anticipated. We advise clients on UK, European and international filing strategies for patents, trade marks and registered designs.
Where overseas representation is required, we work alongside trusted international intellectual property professionals to ensure your applications are managed efficiently across multiple jurisdictions.
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE BEFORE MEETING A PATENT ATTORNEY
Preparing some background information beforehand allows us to provide more focused advice during your consultation.
For inventions, it is helpful to provide a written description explaining how the invention works, together with photographs, technical drawings, CAD files, prototypes (if available) and details of any previous public disclosure.
For trade marks, bring details of the name, logo or brand together with the products or services you intend to offer.
For registered designs, photographs, design renderings or engineering drawings are particularly useful.
Don't worry if your information is incomplete. Our role is to guide you through the process and recommend the most appropriate intellectual property strategy.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO USE A PATENT ATTORNEY
The cost of using a patent attorney depends on the type of intellectual property protection you require, the complexity of your invention, brand or design, and the scope of the work involved.
At Intagraf, we believe in providing transparent pricing and clear advice from the outset. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your objectives, explain the recommended course of action and provide a clear quotation before any work begins. There are no hidden fees, and we will always explain any official Intellectual Property Office fees separately from our professional charges.
While cost is an important consideration, obtaining professionally prepared intellectual property protection can significantly improve the strength, enforceability and long-term value of your patent, trade mark or registered design.
WHY SHOULD I USE A PATENT ATTORNEY INSTEAD OF FILING MY OWN APPLICATION
Although it is possible to file your own patent, trade mark or registered design application, intellectual property law is highly technical and mistakes made during the application process can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to correct later.
A professionally prepared application is more likely to provide meaningful protection, withstand examination and reduce the risk of objections, delays or costly amendments. A patent attorney can also help identify opportunities to strengthen your application, broaden the scope of protection where appropriate and develop an intellectual property strategy that supports your commercial objectives.
We work closely with inventors, entrepreneurs and businesses to ensure their intellectual property is not only properly protected but also positioned to support future growth, investment, licensing and commercial success.
HOW DO I START WORKING WITH YOU
Getting started is simple. Contact us to arrange an initial consultation with one of our intellectual property professionals. During this meeting, we'll discuss your invention, brand, product design or business objectives, explain the most appropriate forms of intellectual property protection and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Following our discussion, we'll recommend the most suitable course of action and provide a clear proposal outlining the work involved, expected timescales and associated costs. Once you're happy to proceed, we'll begin preparing your patent, trade mark or registered design application and guide you through every stage of the process.
Whether you're protecting a new invention, registering a trade mark, safeguarding a product design or developing a wider intellectual property strategy, Intagraf is committed to providing clear advice, technical expertise and practical commercial support to help protect and maximise the value of your intellectual property.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I INSTRUCT YOU
Once you decide to proceed, we confirm the scope of our engagement, explain each stage of the process and provide a clear quotation for the agreed work. We then gather the technical and commercial information required, prepare the appropriate patent, trade mark or registered design application and submit it to the relevant Intellectual Property Office.
Throughout the application process we monitor deadlines, manage official correspondence, advise you on examination reports and keep you informed of progress.
Our support continues after registration or grant. We can assist with renewals, portfolio management, international protection, licensing, commercialisation, enforcement and broader intellectual property strategy, helping you maximise the long-term value of your intellectual property.