Protecting IP
Section 3
The UK IPO will perform a preliminary examination
and search of the application to ensure the invention is
new. The Intellectual Property Office would then send
out a detailed search report and the application will
be filed. However a full examination is then required
during which the Intellectual Property Office will
decide whether the application can be granted. This
is a long, painstaking progress which can take 2 to 3
years (longer if you extend to cover countries beyond
the UK).
Patent granted. You can use "Patent granted, No:
[NUMBER] [2013] [UK]" on any relevant literature,
publications or products.
Know-How
Some practical tips to help protect your know-how are set out in Section 4.
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