Patents and The Role of IP Solicitors

Even though you might be excited and proud of the new invention you have created, you must be very careful before you start telling people about it. Instead you should approach an experienced IP solicitor for some advice as to how you can protect your invention against others copying it.

Patents are one of the main areas of Intellectual Property and require a specific process – and time – to be accepted and registered. Before you start seeing your new invention out there in the market place, it’s sensible to start the lengthy process of a patent now. Your Intellectual Property solicitor is the person who can help to make it easier and as efficient as possible.

What is a patent? A patent is a part of your Intellectual Property that protects new inventions (as in the way they are made or the technology they use to work, their materials, etc.). If you are granted a patent by your government, this means your idea will be protected so no one can use it or copy it without your permission.

‘Ok, but do I really need to register my patent?’ is something you may wish to find out. Well, if you don’t, you won’t be covered against others trying to gain the Intellectual Property Rights of the material. After all the hard work, the late nights and endless days, how would you feel?

Before you register your new product as a patent, your IP Solicitors will ensure that it:

- is new.

- is innovative (ie it is something that hasn’t been done before or that isn’t obvious to someone with experience in the same subject).

- can be used or made in an industry.

However, there are some inventions or discoveries that cannot be registered for patent eg: literature, performing arts, some computer programs or a new medical treatment – and your invention cannot be against public policy or morality. For more informaiton of the different types of inventions which qualify for a patent talk to an experienced solicitor. The moment you have you patent in place, you have gained the right to take legal action against those infringing your rights. It allows you to commercialise it or sell its Intellectual Property Rights. You also have the option of retaining those rights and license the invention to others and you can start a business based on the invention.

If you believe that you might have a patentable invention then get in touch with a specialist IP lawyer who can start this process for you.

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Contact the specialist IP Solicitors at Bonallack & Bishop for intellectual property advice you can trust. Tim Bishop is senior partner at the firm, responsible for all major strategic decisions. He has grown the firm by 1000% in 13 years and has plans for further expansion.