Virtually all machines, products and processes (including computer programs), and individual parts of them, are patentable provided they are new, inventive and capable of industrial application.

A patent confers a considerable commercial advantage, allowing the proprietor to prevent competitors from exploiting the patented invention for up to 20 years, which often exceeds the commercial life of the invention.

The extent to which an invention must be “inventive” to justify the grant of a patent can vary, and it can be worthwhile to patent even small improvements, especially given the advantages of the UK Government Patent Box Scheme.

It is important to remember that if you have an idea for a new invention, you must maintain secrecy about the invention until you have the correct intellectual property in place.

Our patent attorneys are authorised to act before the UK Patent Office, the European Patent Office and the World Intellectual Property Organisation. They are assisted by a team of technical assistants and qualified formalities staff.

We have extensive experience in obtaining patent rights including;

• Advising on patentability
• Conducting prior art searches
• Drafting patent specifications
• Prosecuting applications through to grant both in the UK and abroad

We can also offer advice and assistance in connection with defence and enforcement of patent rights, provide infringement opinions and validity evaluation services.

Maximum commercial benefit from patent rights can be derived through licences, agreements and assignments, all of which can be drafted by our attorneys and registered with the relevant patent authorities by our firm.

Our post-grant services also include annual maintenance fee monitoring and payment, supported by our industry-leading computerised records system.

Our team understands the vital part which is played by obtaining and maintaining valid patent protection and we can assist you in building a patent portfolio that fits within the long-term business strategy.