Why do I need a patent?

If you’ve had a great idea for a new invention or you’re working hard on the development of one at the moment, it’s important to protect your invention with a patent to stop others copying your work.

A patent means that no other company or individual can make, import, use or sell your invention within the country the patent was granted in for up to 20 years.

If you don’t file a patent application before the disclosing the invention non-confidentially you will lose the chance to obtain valid protection in most countries of the world.

Do I need to bother with patents?

There are two aspects of patent protection to consider – infringing other people’s patents and protecting your own inventions.

Whilst you don’t need to seek patent protection to make and sell products you should at least try to make sure that your new products don’t infringe any existing patents.

It’s wise to take advice from the start so you know where you stand. Patent attorneys at London IP will be happy to talk to you, whether you’ve just come up with the idea, are at the point of prototyping, or even manufacture.

Everything you discuss with our lawyers is in strict confidence so you know that you can talk openly about your plans in complete safety.