Protect the invention you’ve worked hard to develop
A strong invention can open markets, attract investment and give your business a valuable commercial advantage. A patent can protect that position by stopping others from making, using, selling or importing the invention without permission. Timing matters: disclosing an invention too early may prevent you from patenting it.
Our patent lawyers help businesses protect ownership, preserve confidentiality and turn innovation into an asset that can be licensed, sold or enforced against competitors before commercial opportunities are lost.
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What are the benefits of a patent?
A granted patent gives you exclusive rights over an invention within the countries covered. This can prevent competitors from copying your technology, strengthen negotiations with investors and create revenue through licensing or sale. Patent protection can be costly and takes time, so the commercial case must stack up. A patent lawyer can help assess the value, risks and right protection strategy before you fully commit.
How we can
help you
Our patent lawyers advise on ownership, confidentiality, patent strategy, licensing, assignments and infringement. We can assess the commercial position, review agreements with inventors, employees and development partners, and help protect an invention before it is disclosed. Where specialist technical drafting or prosecution is required, we can work alongside a registered patent attorney. We also negotiate licences, support transactions involving patents, and pursue or defend infringement claims with a clear focus on cost, risk and commercial outcome effectively.
Why choose CWC Solicitors
Patent decisions can affect investment, product launches and your ability to compete. We combine intellectual property expertise with an understanding of those commercial pressures. You will receive direct advice on the strength and value of your position, the risks involved and a proportionate way to protect, exploit or defend your invention without unnecessary delay or expense.
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure or need something explained in more detail? Contact us, and we’ll guide you through it.
1. What is a patent?
A patent is a territorial legal right granted for an invention. It can prevent others from making, using, selling or importing the invention without permission. In the UK, patents are granted by the Intellectual Property Office and can remain in force for up to 20 years.
2. What are the benefits of patents?
Patents can provide several commercial benefits:
- Protection: Prevent competitors from making, using, selling or importing the invention without permission.
- Competitive advantage: Preserve a position in the market while the patent remains in force.
- Commercialisation: Create opportunities to license, assign or sell the patented technology.
- Investment: Strengthen the intellectual property portfolio presented to investors, buyers or commercial partners.
- Negotiating leverage: Support valuable commercial collaborations, joint ventures, partnerships and other agreements involving the invention.
3. What types of inventions can be patented?
An invention may be patentable if it meets the following requirements:
- Novelty: It must be new and not available to the public.
- Inventive step: It must not be an obvious development to someone skilled in the field.
- Industrial application: It must be capable of being made or used.
- Eligibility: It must not fall within an excluded category, such as a discovery, scientific theory, mathematical method or aesthetic creation.
Patentability depends on the invention and how the application is drafted.
4. How long does a patent last?
A patent can last up to 20 years, provided renewal fees are paid annually from the fourth anniversary of the application’s filing date.
5. What is the process for obtaining a patent?
The patent process usually involves:
- Confidentiality: Avoiding public disclosure before an application is filed.
- Initial assessment: Considering patentability, ownership, commercial value and the territories requiring protection.
- Application: Preparing the description, claims, abstract and any supporting drawings.
- Search: The Intellectual Property Office searches for earlier material relevant to novelty and inventive step.
- Publication: The application is usually published 18 months after filing.
- Examination: The application is assessed, with any objections answered and required amendments carefully prepared before a final decision.
- Grant: A patent is granted if the legal requirements are fully satisfied.
6. How can patent lawyers assist?
We can assist in different ways, including:
- Advising on ownership, confidentiality and commercial strategy.
- Assessing disputes and infringement risk.
- Drafting and negotiating licences, assignments and development agreements.
- Supporting relevant transactions involving patents.
- Enforcing rights or defending infringement claims.
A registered patent attorney can prepare and prosecute the technical application, respond to examination objections and represent you before the Intellectual Property Office.
7. What rights does a patent grant to the owner?
A patent owner may have the right to:
- Prevent others from making, using, selling or importing the patented invention without permission.
- Control the use of a patented process and products obtained from it.
- License or assign the patent for fees or royalties.
- Take action against infringement and seek an injunction, damages or other remedies.
8. What should I do if I suspect patent infringement?
Preserve evidence and seek advice before contacting the other party. We can assess the patent, alleged use and your enforcement options
Related services
Trade marks and branding
Your name and branding help customers recognise your business. We can register and protect your trade marks and challenge competitors using confusingly similar names, logos or identities.
Trade secrets
Trade secrets protect commercially valuable information that should remain confidential. We help businesses secure sensitive knowledge through clear contracts, internal policies and practical legal safeguards against misuse.
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