Patent or register a product design or invention idea
An overview of patents and other forms of Intellectual Property (IP)
Patents, Design Registrations & Copyright
Types of IP
If you have an idea you may want to consider protecting it in some way from being copied by others. Intellectual Property or IP is the term given to the creative work of an individual or company. This could be a product idea, invention or design. Here you will find an overview of the key types of design protection on how to patent an invention idea.
Should I Patent an Invention Idea?
Is it worth it?
Clients often think they must patent an invention idea. This is not always the most sensible thing to do… Protecting your idea (intellectual property) is of course very important but patenting can be very expensive.
Patent Searches
Is you product idea unique? Check with a search.
Having a search carried out and a report of the findings can be very useful at the start of a project. Not only can you find out if your idea has already been patented by someone else but you can identify conflicting ideas or alternative competitor designs. A patent search can give you the confidence to further invest in your product design idea.
Patent and Registration Drawings
Communicating your design
We work with skilled patent attorneys to ensure your product invention idea is communicated effectively within a patent application. We provide professional patent and design registration drawings and illustrations. Whether you have an existing design you wish to draw up or simply an idea on paper we can put all the information together to get your idea protected.
Patent and Registration Drawings
How long and How much?
Our patent attorneys will tailor your application to ensure best value and protection. Following the initial application there can be examinations and objections to satisfy before the patent can be granted. The process normally takes around 4 years from application to granted patent however as soon as the application is submitted you can use the patent pending status. Patent fees are payable at different times over the 4 years with the initial applications starting from approx £2000 depending upon complexity. Costs over 4 years are on average £4000/5000 for simple patent applications.
What does a patent cost?
Check out our patent advice video for how much a patent can cost, why get a patent search, as well as how you can protect your product idea in other ways.
Patent Advice Video:
• What does a patent cost?
• Is is essential to patent my idea?
• What else can you do to protect a product idea?
• Should I still get a patent search even if not patenting?
What is a patent?
A patent is a form of intellectual property (IP). Once granted it protects the unique and inventive way that a product works.
It grants the owner of the patent the sole rights to make and sell the patented product within the county that the patent was granted.
Before patenting your idea we recommend developing the design and testing a prototype to ensure it works as expected and the patent protects the best design options.
How much does a patent cost?
The cost of a patent can vary depending on the complexity of the product and the territories you apply for protection within. A patent should be written by a patent attorney and as such is a legal document. It is important that the patent application be strong and well written in order to stand up to any contest in court.
A typical simple patent in the UK will cost approx £2000+vat for an inital application. As your patent application progressed further requirements and fees must be paid to see it throught to become granted. The whole process can take 4 years.
Why register a design?
Design registration is much cheaper than patenting and a good alternative in some cases. The difference is that a design registration protects the appearance, form and shape of a product whereas a patent protects how it works.
UK Design registrations start from £795+vat. Cost for EU registrations start from £1750. Idea Reality can help with the application and drawings to get your product idea protected.
Other types of intellectual property (IP)
What other protection is there?
Copyright is a simple automatic protection for your documents and drawings. It is best practice to ensure all sensitive paperwork and imagery has a copyright © symbol displayed along with your name and the year in which it was created.
Trademarks protect names, brands and logos from being copied and can be very important when establishing your brand. Trademarks can be applied for through the Intellectual Property Office.
Worldwide Professional Patent Search
Existing patent applications, Avoid Infringing a patent, Is my idea unique
Our legal partners will perform a professional worldwide patent search around your idea. This will help to find any similar ideas that have been patented so we can understand where the idea stands and how to move forward with a patent application.
Also know as a 'Prior Art Search', patent searches are the first step towards a patent application. For many inventions, it is wise to search for prior relevant patents. Searches can help to check that the invention is patentable and/or that its production will not infringe another patent. Idea Reality partners with a specialist product and inventions patent team to bring you excellent low cost IP advice, patent searches and patent application both UK and worldwide. We are able to offer you a fantastic price of £495+vat for our worldwide prior art patent search. Just get in touch to arrange this deal.In case you didn't know
Here’s some great reasons to work with us…
- You retain 100% of your idea including new IP we develop for you.
- All communication is strictly confidential and free NDA forms provided.
- You control the pace of your project and the route you take.
- Personal service with your own experienced design manager to guide you.
- Our service is low cost to suit start-ups, inventors and small businesses.
- Benefit from our network of professionals across multiple disciplines.
- Specialists in crowdfunding and other forms of investment & licencing.
- Benefit from our years of experience and efficient product design service.
- Explore the options with a FREE consultation and product idea advice.
Idea Reality provides award winning product design, product development, prototyping and 3D CAD services. We specialise in working with clients within the UK, USA and Europe. Offering assistance to individuals, start-ups and established companies, with a product idea requiring development or existing product ranges that need improving.
Our main office is in Andover within Hampshire, UK and we have meeting facilities in central London. With a modern efficient service utilising the benefits of online collaboration you can remain comfortable with the pace and breadth of your project. Our goal is to deliver great product ideas to market.
- New Product Design and Development
- 3D CAD Design and Drawing
- Product Prototyping
- Product Launch Support
- Manufacture design and support
