Personalised Service
We take the time to understand your invention and your commercial plans, and shape the strategy around them.
Patentability · Filing Strategy · Confidentiality · Ownership
Patent Registration Lawyer in London
Securing and protecting your inventions.
We guide inventors, start-ups and established businesses from the first idea to a granted patent, with the confidentiality, ownership and commercial planning that protect its value.
Protecting Your Invention from Day One
A patent gives you the exclusive right to make, use and sell your invention for up to 20 years. Getting there depends on decisions made early: what you disclose, who owns the invention and where you file.
Experience
Over 25 years in intellectual property law, advising inventors and technology businesses.
End-to-End Support
From confidentiality and filing to licensing and enforcement, we stay with you after grant.
Patent Registration Services
Patentability Assessment
To be patentable, an invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. Some things cannot be patented as such, including discoveries, mathematical methods, business methods and computer programs, though inventions with a technical effect may still qualify.
Confidentiality
Disclosing your invention before filing can destroy its novelty, and the UK has no general grace period. We put confidentiality agreements in place before you speak to manufacturers, partners or investors.
Filing Strategy
A UK filing gives you a priority date. You then have 12 months to file in other countries and claim that date. We plan the timing and territories around your budget and commercial goals.
The Application
An application needs a description of the invention, claims defining the protection sought, any drawings and an abstract. The claims determine what the patent will cover. We work with you on the application and coordinate with patent attorneys on technical drafting where needed.
International Protection
European patents through the European Patent Office, and international applications under WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), let you seek protection in many countries from a single filing route.
Ownership & Commercialisation
Inventions made by employees in the course of their normal duties generally belong to the employer. We advise on ownership, assignments, licences and investment, so the patent can be exploited and enforced.
Three Steps Before Anyone Sees Your Invention
Keep It Confidential
Use non-disclosure agreements before any pitch, demonstration or supplier discussion, and avoid publishing details online.
Record Your Development
Keep dated records of how the invention was developed and who contributed. This supports inventorship and ownership if questions arise later.
Confirm Who Owns It
Check employment contracts, consultancy terms and collaboration agreements so ownership is clear before you file.
Registering a UK Patent
Step by Step
- 01 · SearchPre-filing search to assess novelty and identify similar patents
- 02 · FileSubmit the application to the UK Intellectual Property Office to secure a filing date
- 03 · Search ReportThe UKIPO searches for earlier publications relevant to your claims
- 04 · PublicationThe application is usually published around 18 months after the priority date
- 05 · ExaminationThe UKIPO examines the application; we help respond to any objections
- 06 · GrantIf successful, the patent is granted and lasts up to 20 years with renewal fees
Timescales and Costs
The process often takes between one and four years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the UKIPO's workload. Once granted, a UK patent lasts up to 20 years from filing, provided annual renewal fees are paid from the fifth year.
Costs depend on the invention and the countries you need. We provide a detailed quote after assessing your needs.
Intellectual Property Law Since 1999
25+ Years' Experience
Internet, media and IP law since 1999
Published Author
A Practical Guide to Business, Law & the Internet (Kogan Page, 2002)
International Speaker
MBL Seminars speaker on IP and media law
SRA Regulated
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (No. 827265)
Resources for Patent Owners
Official guidance on applying for, maintaining and enforcing patents.
Register and Enforce
Patents work best alongside trade marks, copyright and a plan to enforce them.
Patent Registration Questions
What is a patent?
A patent is a legal right granted for a new invention. It gives the owner the exclusive right to make, use, sell and import the invention for up to 20 years from the filing date, provided renewal fees are paid.
What makes an invention patentable?
It must be new, involve an inventive step that would not be obvious to someone skilled in the field, and be capable of industrial application. It must also not fall within an excluded category, such as a discovery, a mathematical method or a computer program as such.
Can I patent my idea if it has been publicly disclosed?
Usually not. Public disclosure before filing can destroy novelty, and the UK has no general grace period. Speak to a patent lawyer before discussing your invention outside a confidentiality agreement.
Can software or AI inventions be patented?
Computer programs are excluded "as such", but inventions that make a technical contribution may be patentable. In Thaler v Comptroller-General [2023] UKSC 49, the Supreme Court held that an AI system cannot be named as an inventor; the inventor must be a natural person.
How long does the patent registration process take?
Typically between one and four years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the UKIPO's workload. Applications are usually published around 18 months after the priority date.
How do I protect my invention abroad?
You can file in other countries within 12 months of your first filing and keep your original priority date. Options include a European patent through the EPO and an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
Who owns an invention made by an employee?
Under section 39 of the Patents Act 1977, an invention made in the course of an employee's normal duties generally belongs to the employer. Contractors and consultants usually own what they create unless there is a written assignment.
What happens if my patent application is refused?
We will explain the examiner's reasons and explore your options, including amending the claims, filing arguments or appealing the decision.
Start Your Patent Registration Process Now
Don't let your ideas go unprotected. Contact us to begin securing your patent, or use the form below. Please do not include confidential technical details in the form.
- A short, non-confidential summary of the invention
- Whether it has been shown or described to anyone
- Who developed it and under what arrangements
- The countries where you plan to sell or license it
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7305 7491
Email: peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk
23 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6HE
Scope and fees are agreed in advance before any work begins.
Make an appointment
Contact us today to learn how we can help safeguard your success.