11/10/2018
To be patentable your idea or invention must be new (not in the public domain) and inventive (not obvious and a bit clever).
The first suggestion therefore is to check whether your idea is new.
You can do an initial search yourself online through published patent literature at the freely accessible patent database www.espacenet.com. We suggest trying the advanced search option. Type in a few keywords that describe your idea – you might be amazed at the results and what has already found its way into published patent documentation.
We can also perform a preliminary patent novelty search to assess the aspects of your invention that may be new. The results of a novelty search also assist in establishing the inventive features of your idea and will improve the overall quality of the patent application. A patent novelty search usually takes us about 2 weeks to complete.
A patent specification that fully describes your invention and how it works then needs to be prepared. At this stage we work with you to ensure that the new and inventive features of your invention are clearly explained and highlighted in the required legal format. Drafting a high quality patent specification typically takes about 3 – 4 weeks to complete.
Once your patent specification is prepared the application needs to be filed at a Patent Office, such as at the European Patent Office. You will then receive a patent application number and may then indicate that your invention has patent pending status.
Once filed your pending patent application will be assessed by a patent examiner to check that it complies with the various legal requirements, including that the invention claimed is new and inventive. We get the opportunity to engage with the patent examiner and will represent you to progress your patent application to a grant.
Patents are issued on a country by country basis and within 12 months of filing your patent application you have the option to secure patent rights in other countries not already covered. You may also elect to file an international patent application.
JP White European Patent Attorneys are the experts at securing patents for clients in all fields of technology.
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