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A collection of guidance about applying for, managing and enforcing a patent. Patents help protect a product or process, for example machines and medicines.

• Updated: 20 December 2023

A patent registers your invention and lets you take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports your invention without your permission.

• Overview

  A UK patent may help if you want to take legal action against someone who…

• Before you apply

  Only apply for a patent if: you’ve checked your invention does not already…

• Prepare your application

  A patent application must include: a description of your invention that…

• File your initial application

  You must have prepared your documents before applying. Your initial…

• After you apply

  Once you’ve filed an application you’ll get a receipt with your…

• Search, publication and 'substantive examination'

  Before your patent can be granted the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)…

• When a patent is granted

  If your patent is granted: your application will be published in its final…

Search for patents and supplementary certificates (SPCs) that have been granted, published and filed

• Updated: 27 July 2021

• Updated: 23 March 2021

• Updated: 20 July 2022

This guidance relates to Technical Standards and Standard Development Organisations to describe the typical first step in a Standard Essential Patent (SEP) journey.

• Updated: 22 July 2024

• Updated: 28 July 2023

This guidance relates to Standard Essential Patents licensing.

• Updated: 22 July 2024

• Updated: 20 June 2024