Conducting your own no cost patent search with Google Patents and USPTO Database

This article will provide a step-by-step guide to self-filing a patent application with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) without tearing your hair out!

There are two main routes to file a patent application. The first is to hire a patent agent, also known as a patent attorney. A patent agent is a legal professional trained to represent clients seeking to obtain a patent. If you do have the budget for this, it is often a good idea to use the services of a patent agent as they can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your patent application. Should you choose this route, you need to ensure that your patent agent is registered with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).

Instead of hiring a patent agent to draft and file your application, you can draft it and send it to the IPO yourself.

The Patent Specification The first step in the self-filing process is to prepare a patent specification. Field of the invention - what area does the invention relate to? To find relevant prior art it is advisable to commission a patent search. Detailed Description - how exactly does your invention work? To file your patent application, all you need to do initially is send a copy of your patent specification and a completed copy of Form 1, 'Request for grant of a patent' to the UK IPO.

For further information on self-filing a patent application, contact the IPO.

Self-Filing a UK Patent Application - A Quick Guide

One of the preliminary steps in the patent process is the patent search. ;Here, you can search through issued patents and pending published patent applications. ;You need to meander over to the published patent applications portal which keeps all published pending applications except the last 18 months and any other patent applications whose inventors chose to not publish their patent applications.