IP News & Advice: Patents
Strachan IP Limited
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Hi
In this month's newsletter we are taking a closer look at patents. In particular, we consider how patents work, the meaning and significance of the 'priority date' and the importance of appropriately timing the filing of your patent application.?
As always, if you need any help at all with your IP, or have any questions you'd like answering, I offer a free consultation, and I'd love to help. Just get in touch and we'll book in a time.
Vicki Strachan
How do patents work?
You may know that a patent is a piece of registered intellectual property intended to protect technical innovation.?
However you may not not the true value of patents, and, in particular:??
What is a 'Priority date'?
Whether you are new to the world of patents or the owner of multiple granted patents, you are likely to have come across the term 'priority date'.
But what exactly does 'priority date' mean and why is it so important?
Timing your patent application just right
A recent episode of Dragon's Den demonstrated? the importance of timing the filing of patent applications appropriately.
Paul Hurnon spent 23 years designing and refining an innovative space-saving bathroom. A patent application was filed early in the design process and a UK patent was successfully secured. BUT, by the time he appeared on the TV programme, the patent had expired. Despite the Dragon's praising the design, Peter Jones withheld his financial backing solely because the patent had lapsed and there was nothing to stop the idea being copied.?
The SME Guide to Patents
To learn more about patents, download our simple guide here.