Patents protect new inventions. They can be used to stop competitors taking advantage of your investment in innovation and product development.

Patents may be granted to protect inventions such as new devices, structures, methods of manufacture, test methods, materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Computer software programs can also be patented if they meet certain special criteria.

Patents are territorial in nature and can only be enforced in the country for which a patent has been granted. There are a number of cost effective routes to obtain patent protection in the UK, Europe and throughout the world. Patent protection can typically be maintained for up to 20 years from the date of filing an application.