Can I patent an idea in the UK?

No, you cannot patent a mere idea in the UK. You can only patent an invention, product, or process that is new, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application.

How do I know if my invention is patentable?

To be patentable, your invention must be new, inventive (not obvious), capable of industrial use, and make a technical contribution. Artistic works, mathematical methods, and discoveries cannot be patented.

How much does it cost to patent an invention in the UK?

Basic costs include an application fee of £60, a search fee of £150 to £180, and an examination fee of £100 to £130. Renewal fees apply from year 5 onwards.

How long does it take to get a UK patent?

The process usually takes 2 to 4 years, depending on the complexity of your invention and any objections raised during examination.

Should I hire a patent attorney?

While not legally required, it’s strongly recommended. A patent attorney can help draft your application clearly and defensibly, increasing your chances of success.

Can you help me with the patent application?

Yes. i1 Design offers professional invention help, including patent search, design development, 3D CAD modelling, and referrals to trusted patent attorneys for filing and legal support.

EXPERT PATENT LAWYER SERVICES
PROTECT YOUR INVENTION WITH CONFIDENCE

Are you looking for a trusted patent lawyer in the UK to protect your invention, secure your intellectual property, and guide you through the patent process ?

In collaboration with the UKs best patent attorneys, we deliver professional, affordable and commercially focused patent lawyer services for individual inventors, startups and businesses across the UK.

We help you protect your patentable ideas, products, and technologies from concept through to registration and commercial success.

WHAT DOES A PATENT LAWYER DO ?

A patent lawyer is a qualified expert in both intellectual property (IP) law and technical innovation. Their role is to :

Conduct patentability searches and legal assessments
Draft and file patent applications
Navigate the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and global filing procedures
Respond to examiner objections and office actions
Enforce your patent rights or defend against infringement
Advise on licensing, IP commercialisation, and legal strategy

Whether you're launching a physical product, novel process, or tech-based invention, our team ensures your innovation is legally protected and commercially ready.

OUR UK PATENT LAWYER SERVICES

We provide full-service legal and technical support throughout the UK patent process and beyond :

PATENT SEARCH AND PATENTABILITY CHECKS

Expert legal evaluation of your invention. Advice on whether your idea meets UK and international patent criteria: novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Deep search of UK IPO, EPO, WIPO, and global databases. Legal analysis to assess uniqueness and risk.

PATENT DRAFTING AND APPLICATION FILING

Precise legal drafting of claims, specifications, drawings, and abstracts. Filing with the UK IPO, European Patent Office, USPTO, or via WIPO/PCT.

PATENT PROSECUTION AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Handling objections and office actions from patent examiners. Legal clarification of claims to improve chances of patent grant

PATENT LICENSING AND IP COMMERCIALISATION

Support with licensing agreements and patent sales. IP valuation, investor documents, and negotiation strategies

INTERNATIONAL PATENT FILING

Legal support filing under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Strategic filing in the US, EU, China, Japan and more

WHY CHOOSE OUR PANEL OF PATENT LAWYERS

Free patent search to quantify project patentability and likelihood of obtaining a grant
In-depth legal and technical expertise in UK, EU, and international patent
Trusted by UK inventors, engineers, and product developers
Focused on real-world, commercial results—not just legal compliance
Clear, transparent advice with no overpromising or hidden costs
Fixed-fee packages for startups and solo inventors

SERVING CLIENTS ACROSS THE UK AND ONLINE

We support clients in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Nottingham, and nationwide via remote consultation.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU APPLY FOR A PATENT

We support inventors from idea to patent.

In collaborating with our patent partners - DF Bluem :

We will provide an honest appraisal on your project and examine patent suitability.
Make suggestions to improve the commerciality of your design and the chances of obtaining a grant.
Undertake a free patent search prior to proceeding with the application process.
Produce 3D CAD design and patent-ready drawings
Design and build prototypes to verify the commerciality of the design.
Prepare and file your UK, international patent application and pursue it through to grant.
Deal with any IPO objections and maintain and file renewals.
Advise on ways of leveraging your IP rights, including using the Patent Box.
Assist with the transfer of your legal rights to a third party.