Patent Advice

Important Information

• Patent agents are often very expensive. It would be prudent to let us conduct a free idea assessment first.
• It is important to get the description on a patent right before filing because it can only be altered in a limited way afterwards.
• Some companies take a percent of future profits from an idea. Innovate take no share in your future profits from your idea and our initial assessment is free of charge and obligation.

This is a detailed document that might be best read on paper. Click here to request our free info pack which includes a patenting guide

Patent Costs

With our advice we will ensure your patenting expenses are kept to a minimum. Don't let the cost or complication put you off obtaining a patent on your idea because a granted patent could be incredibly lucrative in the long run. One of the most important pieces of advice is to complete as much work as possible before filing your patent. You have 12 months after the patent application has been filed before difficult and expensive decisions have to be made regarding which countries to file the patent in. The aim is to use the first 12 months grace period to test the market for your idea before large patenting fees become an issue.

Patent Search

It is often prudent to conduct a global patent search prior to filing your patent application. The vast majority of inventors and experts in this field agree that it is a vital stage in progressing your idea. The results of the search can be used to word your application ensuring that you don't infringe other applications and establish the novel aspects of your idea. Completing a patent search before filing also gives you a much better chance of getting your patent granted. Don't assume that because you have never come across your idea in public that someone doesn't have a patent on it, or on something very similar.

Innovate can organise a patent search and provide a report of all similar intellectual property and advice on understanding the implications of the results.

For more information on the importance of a professional patent search click here: Worldwide Patent Search

Patent Application

The information from the patent search will help to establish the claims of novelty in the patent application. Innovate can offer advice on self filing a patent application as it can be quite complicated and our experience can help you avoid some common pitfalls. For more technical patent applications we can put you in touch with a recommended patent agent who offers our clients preferential rates that are substantially less than most commercial patent agents.

For more information on the patent application process click here: Patent Application

Other Forms of Protection

Protecting your new idea can be done using a patent, registering the design, copyright or potentially even a trademark. The best method of protection depends on the individual idea. Innovate Design offers free assessment of your idea which will help determine the most appropriate form of idea protection. To read more about this assessment and how to submit your idea click here: free patenting assessment

Free Idea review!