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1 ) What is a Patent?
A patent is a legal right which when granted
gives the patentee a monopoly to make, use or sell
the invention within a jurisdiction for a fixed
period of time. The patent is granted in return
for full disclosure of the details of the invention.
2) How long does the protection last?
In the UK the rights stand for 20 years during
which time the patent is maintained by payment
of renewal fees.
3) Does a UK Patent
confer worldwide protection?
No, applications must be made in each
country. There are some international treaties
which simplify the procedure such as the European
Patent Convention and the Patent Co-Operation treaty.
4) How much does it cost?
Within the UK there is no longer an initial
fee for applying for a British patent. There are
normally fees incurred in obtaining the grant of
a patent of £200 or more. Patent agents generally
charge £1,000 or more for straightforward
applications. In other jurisdictions then add in
the cost of translation.
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