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.

Free Patent Search

CHECK IF YOUR IDEA ALREADY EXISTS

Are you looking for a free patent search to see if your invention or product idea has already been patented ?

We help inventors, startups, and businesses search UK and international patent databases for free, ensuring your idea is new before you invest time and money in patenting it.

Whether you’re at the start of your invention journey or preparing a formal patent application, a thorough patent search is essential to avoid duplication, understand the competitive landscape, and improve your chances of getting a patent granted.

WHAT IS A FREE PATENT SEARCH ?

A free patent search involves using public databases to find existing patents or published applications related to your invention. This helps you :

Check whether your idea is already patented
Understand how unique your invention really is
Avoid wasting money on applications likely to be rejected
Identify potential competitors or similar technologies
Gather evidence to strengthen your own patent application

HOW WE HELP YOU SEARCH FOR PATENTS – FOR FREE

We provide support to help you conduct a professional-quality free patent search, using trusted databases such as :

UK IPO’S PAIS DATABASE

Search published UK patent applications and legal statuses :
Check a patent application – UK IPO

WIPO PATENTSCOPE

Search over 100 million international patent documents including PCT applications.
WIPO Patentscope

ESPACENET (EPO)

European Patent Office search tool for patents worldwide.
Espacenet Patent Search

PATLIB - YOUR NEAREST PATENT LIBRARY

If you need help searching for existing patents or understanding how to protect your invention, you can visit a Patent Library (PatLib) - where qualified staff are available to assist you with a free basic patent search, helping you find out if your idea or technology is already patented.

These libraries are located in major UK cities including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Sheffield.

Click here to find your nearest Patent Library !

PROFESSIONAL PATENT SEARCH ASSISTANCE

Need help searching deeper or interpreting the results ? We offer low-cost expert search services, including :

Prior art search reports
Patentability assessments
Freedom to operate checks
Novelty and infringement risk reviews

POPULAR SEARCH QUERIES WE CAN HELP WITH

Free patent search UK
How to search patents for free
Find out if an idea is patented
UK IPO patent lookup
Free prior art search tools
Check patent availability
Self-service patent search support

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US TO...

COMPILE AND FILE 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.