The patent process - stages 3 and 4 - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 7
The patent process - stages 3 and 4
Filing strategy
If patent protection is needed beyond the UK, it9s crucial to plan for strict
timelines and costs. After filing a UK application, there is a 12‑month deadline
to file in other countries or regions (e.g. US, China, Europe), each with their
own costs.
A common alternative is filing an international (PCT) application at 12 months,
which extends the deadline for foreign filings by 18–19 months. While it
doesn9t grant a global patent, it allows more time to assess and commercialise
the technology before incurring higher costs.
Once filed, applications are examined separately in each jurisdiction. For
Europe, patents must be validated in individual countries after grant, though
the new 8unitary patent9 system can cover at least 18 countries without
additional official fees.
Patent Guide - Front Cover - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 1
Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 2
What is a patent? - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 3
What types of inventions can be patented? - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 4
Key requirements for patentability - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 5
The patent process - stages 1 and 2 - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 6
The patent process - stages 3 and 4 - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 7
Typical patent timeline - filing and initial review - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 8
Typical patent timelines - the international decision - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
Typical patent timelines - publication and international search, and national and regional decisions - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 10
Typical patent timelines - after grant - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 11
Patent associated costs - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 13
Contact us - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 14
