Patents |
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United Kingdom |
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(Europe)
Firm
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Contributors
Neil Coulson |
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| Which patent-related international treaty is your country is a member of? | The United Kingdom belongs to the following patent-related international treaties:
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| What kinds of protection is available for inventions? | Inventions protections available in the United Kingdom include:
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| What kinds of subject matter (as such) are excluded from patent protection? | The following subject matter is excluded from patent protection in the United Kingdom:
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| What are the documents and information required for filing a national patent application? | Not applicable. |
| Is it possible to request early publication or a deferment of publication? | Not applicable. |
| Does the applicant have a provisional right upon the publication of an application? | Not applicable. |
| When is it possible to file a voluntary amendment to specification? | Not applicable. |
| Is it required to file a request for substantive examination? | Not applicable. |
| Is there a third-party opposition procedure upon publication or after grant? | Yes, there is a third-party opposition procedure upon publication or after grant in the United Kingdom. |
| What is the time period from application to grant for a straightforward application (no office actions or oppositions)? | Not applicable. |
| Is there any process for accelerated examination of application? | Not applicable. |
| To maintain the validity of patent, is it required to pay an annuity in your country? | Yes, it is required to pay an annuity to maintain the validity of a patent in the United Kingdom. |
| Is late payment of annuity permissible? | Yes, late payment of an annuity is permissible in the United Kingdom. There is a six-month grace period after the due date. |
| What are the available enforcement methods in your country? | Available enforcement methods in the United Kingdom include:
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| Are there any peculiarities in the system of protection for a patent in your country, of which it is important for clients to be aware? | Protection in the United Kingdom can be obtained either through a United Kingdom national patent issued by the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office or by designating the United Kingdom under a European Patent issued through the European Patent Office. |
Patents
The United Kingdom belongs to the following patent-related international treaties:
- Paris Convention
- Patent Cooperation Treaty ("PCT")
- TRIPS
- Strasbourg Agreement on the International Patent Classification ("IPC") system
- Patent Law Treaty ("PLT")
- Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure
- European Patent Convention ("EPC")
Inventions protections available in the United Kingdom include:
- Inventions
The following subject matter is excluded from patent protection in the United Kingdom:
- Methods of medical treatment or diagnosis
- Computer programs
- Business methods
- Other: Discovery, Scientific Theory or Mathematical Method; Literary, Dramatic, Musical or Artistic Work or any other Aesthetic Creation; Scheme, Rule or Method for Performing Mental Act, Playing a Game; Presentation of Information.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Yes, there is a third-party opposition procedure upon publication or after grant in the United Kingdom.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Yes, it is required to pay an annuity to maintain the validity of a patent in the United Kingdom.
Yes, late payment of an annuity is permissible in the United Kingdom. There is a six-month grace period after the due date.
Available enforcement methods in the United Kingdom include:
- Civil enforcement
- Border measures
Protection in the United Kingdom can be obtained either through a United Kingdom national patent issued by the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office or by designating the United Kingdom under a European Patent issued through the European Patent Office.