Overview
Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is essential when developing a new product or innovation. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your idea is by securing a patent, which grants you exclusive rights to your invention for a specified period. However, the patenting process can be complex and costly, especially if you need to familiarise yourself with the associated fees and requirements. Understanding the patent cost is crucial to budgeting for your project and ensuring you protect your idea without unexpected financial burdens.
This article will guide you through patenting an idea in the UK, breaking down the costs involved and offering practical advice on how to manage them. We’ll also explore why patenting your concept is essential and how D2M can assist you in navigating the patent process.
Do also check out this article that tells you how to make money from a patent: Turn Your Patent into Profit: Avoid the 97% Failure Trap
What is a Patent?
A patent is a legal protection, and the government grants an inventor exclusive rights to their invention. It prevents others from making, using, selling, or distributing the invention without the inventor’s permission. In exchange for these rights, the inventor must publicly disclose details of the invention, allowing others to learn from it once the patent expires.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) grants patents in the UK. To obtain a patent, the invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. This means that the invention should not be evident to someone with knowledge of the field and must have a practical use.
Why is Patenting Your Idea Important?
Securing a patent is crucial in protecting your intellectual property and ensuring that competitors cannot legally copy or exploit your idea. Here are some of the critical reasons why patenting your concept is essential:
- Exclusive rights: A patent gives you the exclusive right to use, manufacture, and sell your invention for a specified period. This prevents others from profiting from your hard work and innovation.
- Increased business value: Patents can significantly increase the value of your business, making it more attractive to investors, partners, and potential buyers. They can also be used as leverage in negotiations, giving you a competitive advantage in the market.
- Revenue generation: With a patent, you can license your invention to other companies, generating additional income through royalties. This is particularly useful if you need more resources to bring the product to market yourself.
- Legal protection: A patent allows you to take legal action against anyone who infringes on your rights, helping you defend your invention and maintain control over its commercial use.
Patent Cost in the UK
The patent cost in the UK varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of your invention, the route you take to file the patent, and whether you choose to hire a professional to assist with the application. Below, we break down the main costs of patenting an idea in the UK.
Initial Filing Costs
The first step in securing a patent is applying with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The basic filing fee for a UK patent application is relatively low compared to other countries. Still, additional costs can quickly add up depending on the specifics of your invention and the complexity of your application.
- IPO filing fee: £60 (online application) or £90 (paper application).
- Search fee: After submitting your application, you’ll need to request a search to determine whether your invention is truly novel. The search fee is £150.
- Substantive examination fee: A substantive examination must be conducted to ensure that your invention meets the legal requirements for patentability. The cost for this is £100.
Legal and Professional Fees
While it’s possible to file a patent application yourself, many inventors hire a patent attorney to help navigate the complex legal requirements. Patent attorneys can provide valuable expertise, ensuring that your application is completed accurately and your invention is adequately protected. However, professional assistance comes at a cost.
- Patent attorney fees: Fees for patent attorneys can vary widely depending on the complexity of your invention and the level of assistance required. On average, expect to pay between £3,000 and £8,000 for professional help drafting and filing your application.
International Patent Costs
If you want to protect your invention outside the UK, you must file for international patent protection. This can significantly increase your overall patent cost, as each country or region has its filing fees, legal requirements, and renewal fees.
- European Patent Application (EPO): If you wish to protect your invention across Europe, you can file a single application with the European Patent Office (EPO). The cost of filing a European patent application typically ranges from £3,000 to £6,000, including attorney fees.
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application: For global protection, you can file a PCT application, which streamlines the process of applying for patents in multiple countries. The PCT filing fee is approximately £4,000, but costs will vary depending on the number of countries you wish to cover and attorney fees.
Patent Renewal Fees
Once your patent has been granted, you must pay renewal fees to keep it in force. In the UK, renewal fees start at £70 in the fourth year and gradually increase over the patient’s life. By the 20th year, the renewal fee will be £610.
- Year 4 renewal: £70
- Year 10 renewal: £220
- Year 20 renewal: £610
Budgeting for these fees in advance is essential, as paying renewal fees can result in your patent lapsing, leaving your invention unprotected.
Main Factors That Influence Patent Costs
The total cost of securing a patent in the UK depends on several factors. Understanding these variables will help you better estimate your overall patent cost and plan your budget accordingly.
Complexity of the Invention
More complex inventions typically require more detailed and time-consuming patent applications. This can result in higher attorney fees and additional technical drawings, research, and examination costs.
Geographic Coverage
The more countries you wish to protect your invention in, the higher the cost will be. Filing in multiple jurisdictions requires paying individual filing fees, translation, and attorney fees.
Professional Assistance
While hiring a patent attorney can be costly, ensuring that your application is thorough and legally sound is often worth the investment. A well-prepared patent application increases your chances of success and reduces the risk of costly disputes later on.
How to Manage Patent Costs
Patenting your idea doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you manage patent costs effectively:
Conduct a Preliminary Patent Search
Before filing your application, conduct a preliminary patent search to ensure your invention is novel. This can help you save money on an application that is unlikely to be successful. You can search the UK IPO database or hire a professional to search for you.
File for a Provisional Patent
A provisional patent application is a cost-effective way to secure an early filing date while giving you time to refine your invention or raise funds for the complete patent application. A provisional patent is less expensive than a complete patent and provides you with 12 months to file a full application.
Prioritise Key Markets
If patenting your invention globally is too expensive, prioritise filing in key markets where your product is most likely to be sold or used. For example, focus on securing patents in the UK, Europe, and the US, and consider expanding to other regions later.
Use Patent Attorneys Strategically
Hiring a patent attorney is highly recommended, but you can save on costs by doing some of the preliminary work yourself. For instance, prepare a detailed description of your invention and any technical drawings before consulting with an attorney. This can reduce the amount of time they need to spend on your application, lowering your fees.
How D2M can help
At D2M, our product design company understand that navigating the patenting process can be daunting, especially considering the costs involved. Our team of experienced senior designers can guide you through the process and advise on when best to take professional advice. Furthermore, we work with Chartered Attorneys who share our values and, on average, D2M clients get around £1500 of free legal advice on IP strategy when working with our partner attorneys.
By partnering with D2M and our attorney network, you can be confident that your patent costs are managed efficiently and that your idea is protected by experts who understand the process inside out.
How much does patenting an idea in the UK cost?
The cost of patenting an idea in the UK varies, but you can expect to pay between £4,000 and £10,000 for a standard UK patent, including attorney fees and filing costs.
How much does a patent attorney cost in the UK?
Patent attorney fees typically range from £2,000 to £8,000 depending on the complexity of the invention and whether you’re filing nationally or internationally.
Are patent attorney fees worth it?
Yes, if your idea has real commercial potential. A well-written patent protects you better and reduces the chance of rejection or future disputes.
Are there hidden costs in the UK patent process?
Yes. You may need to budget for drawings, international filings, renewals and revisions. Poorly filed patents can also lead to costly legal issues later.
What affects the total patent cost in the UK?
Main factors include invention complexity, whether you hire an attorney, and how many countries you file in. International protection can multiply costs quickly.
Conclusion
Securing a UK patent is a vital step in protecting your product idea, but the costs can quickly escalate if you’re not prepared. From filing fees and attorney costs to international protection and renewals, understanding the full picture is essential to avoiding surprises later.
By budgeting early, prioritising key markets and using professional support wisely, you can protect your invention without overspending. At D2M, we’ve helped hundreds of founders navigate the product journey — and that includes helping you decide when and how to approach the patenting process.
We’re not patent attorneys, but we work closely with trusted legal partners to ensure our clients get expert IP advice as part of their wider product development strategy. That means you stay focused on the big picture while knowing your idea is protected by people who’ve been through it before.
