Invention Ideas
If you have invented something you will want to know whether you can patent it. Patents are a form of intellectual property right (IPR), available for inventions that are not already known. Therefore it is important to keep ideas for patents secret until a patent application has been filed.
A patent gives you a monopoly and stops others using the idea so it is a powerful right. Your application for a patent should be filed before you try to market your idea, otherwise you risk losing the right to patent.
To be patentable, your idea or invention must be new and involve an "inventive step".
The idea or invention must never have been made public in any way, anywhere in the world before the date of application for patent protection. So, keep your idea secret and only disclose it to someone you trust.
If it is necessary to disclose your idea then make sure such disclosure is always preceded by a well drafted confidentiality agreement. However, discussing your ideas for a patent with a solicitor or patent attorney is alright because these professionals are under strict professional obligations of confidentiality.
What next?
First step: Patent Search
Second step: Patent Pending
Contact us if you have queries
