Patent Drafting and Filing

A well drafted first patent application is essential to the ultimate success and value of your patent. When filing the application we need to strike a balance between ensuring that the invention is defined broadly enough that it cannot be designed around but also precisely enough that we have useful fall back positions.

It may not be possible to correct an incorrect or insufficient patent application at a later date. As such we strongly recommend against the practice of filing a very basic (or "provisional") initial application as this can cause a false sense of security that the invention has been protected.

We work closely with inventors to ensure we have a precise understanding of the subtleties of how the invention is effective. We also take care to understand how the patent application fits your business to maximise the strategic value of the patent.

After filing an initial application we can also assist in filing patent applications overseas, including for example the filing of International (PCT) Applications, European Patent Applications or specific national patent applications such as US, Chinese, Japanese or Korean Patent Applications.

Patent Prosecution

We are experienced in prosecuting patent applications through the Examination process to obtain their grant across the globe.

Patent laws around the world are, generally, harmonised but, as may be expected, there can be important practical variations. We have experience of filing and prosecuting patent applications in all of the major territories and can coordinate applications for the same invention in different countries for you to avoid duplication of examination costs whilst also maximising your protection.

We have a network of trusted associates who are qualified to act before overseas patent offices.

UK and European Patent Specialists

We work directly with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and are experts in their rules and procedures.

As well as assisting our own clients with representation before these agents we work on behalf of associate firms overseas. If you are an overseas associate, please feel free to contact us to find out more about our best value service offerings.

It is worth noting that the EPO is an independent international organisation which is not part of the European Union; accordingly, we will continue to work as EPO representatives after Brexit and European Patent Applications will continue to include the UK.

Design Registrations

We can assist with the filing of design registrations in the UK, Europe and overseas. Design registrations can provide a relatively quick and simple route to obtaining IP protection for a product.

Just as the protection of a patent is determined by the wording of its patent claims, the protection provided by a design registration is determined by the quality and execution of its drawings. However, whereas the wording of a patent application can be amended (even though only within strict rules), when dealing with design drawings it is practically impossible to make alterations to drawings after filing. It is therefore crucial to get the drawings right from the outset.

We can also help to create design drawings so that they follow the rules of different - sometimes conflicting - rules of different countries. Depending upon your preference or needs we are able to provide either a simple filing service or help to prepare suitable representations and to advice on the best way to optimise the protection afforded.

If you are an overseas attorney seeking to extend your design protection to the EU or the UK, we are happy to advise on whether your existing drawings are suitable for re-filing in Europe, and how to present multiple embodiments in a cost-effective manner while abiding by the local strict unity requirements.

IP Strategy and Portfolio Management

We have experience of working closely with companies of all types from start-ups to multinationals and can use this to help ensure you have an IP strategy that suits your business. The key drivers for such a strategy can depend on a variety of factors including for example, ensuring a competitive advantage, having a defensive portfolio, building value and Patent Box tax saving.

We are also familiar with the challenges of managing an IP portfolio and the associated budget. We can help you to ensure that you are getting the best value out of your IP spend no matter what level of budget you are working with. We can help to optimise your IP budget by identifying opportunities for both short-term cost savings and improved longer-term cost forecasting. We can help ensure that your IP budget is used to maintain your important patents, while keeping funds available for protecting your recent developments.

Freedom to Operate and Advisory

Third party IP rights can restrict your freedom to operate. Even unintentional use of another party’s IP can expose your business to potentially significant legal and financial risk.

We can help you to understand and mitigate such risks. We can provide insights into what third party IP may exist in your field and what the practical impacts of the IP are to your business.

We can also help you assess your position if you believe or know that a competitor has a similar product to your own and may be infringing your own IP rights.

We are able to review your products or processes and provide advice on how you might secure IP rights to secure your competitive advantage. For example, we are able to carry out a detailed "invention spotting" review to provide you with options for protection of your ideas.

Patent Searching

We can carry out patent searches for product clearance, novelty assessments or competitive/technology landscape analysis.  We can also help you to evaluate and understand the results.

Patent searching can be an invaluable tool.  Many concepts are published in detail as a patent application but do not make it to market.  Published patent applications can also provide you with an insight into the technologies that your competitors have been working on.

Renewals and Validations

Our services include renewal monitoring and payment to ensure your IP budget is used effectively.

We are also able to provide cost effective validation services for granted European Patents in the UK.