Are you new to patents?
Before filing a patent application there are plenty of questions to ask yourself, and there’s lots of free information to explore. This section provides some tips and suggests further sources of help and advice.*
Protecting your technology
Are you wondering if patents could help your business? You could use them to raise investment, attract partners or signal your technology specialism to suppliers and customers. Free patent information can also help you solve problems and reveal market insights. And the patent system is proven to foster innovation.
Your business and patents
Does your business need patents? Which markets might want your invention? Application fees, translation costs, foreign filings… how much might it all cost? But how much might it be worth?
Why do we have patents?
Innovation takes a variety of forms. Patents are just one of several tools that policymakers use to encourage innovation. Let’s look at the alternatives to better understand why patents exist.
Getting started
This section will help you to prepare before filing a patent application. Patents protect some innovations, but not others. You should be sure you are ready before embarking on the application process that could take several years, whilst you also grow your market and raise investment.
What’s your big idea?
Innovation takes many forms, and different intellectual property rights might suit you better. We present a variety of ideas – find the one which most closely matches yours to learn if it is patentable.
Are you ready?
A successful outcome starts with good preparation. So ask yourself these seven vital questions to check you are ready for what lies ahead, and to help you plan your patent strategy.
What to expect
You’ve invented a new product or process. So what comes next? How does the patenting process work? What will be expected of you and what rights could a patent provide in return?
How to apply for a patent – step-by-step
Use the flowchart and explanations to understand the process and how to spread costs. Plan each step for the months ahead. How you respond can impact the timing and success of your application.
Dive deeper
Learn about the basic criteria your invention needs to fulfil to be granted a patent. Find out how free patent information can help you to understand what inventions already exist and how to adapt your own patent application accordingly. Save costs by requesting a Unitary Patent.
Are you the first?
Are similar inventions to yours already in the patent databases? A good search can help you differentiate your technology from predecessors’, identify potential customers and inspire your own research.
Is it patentable?
Patents are granted for technical inventions that are new, not obvious and useful. So the first rule: keep it secret prior to filing your application! But not everything that is new necessarily qualifies for a patent. We explain what’s patentable and what’s not.
Patent quiz
Take our fun quick quiz and test your knowledge! Can you tell fact from fiction? Truth from myth?
See also
Are you planning a business around inventions and patents? Use our free handbook, case studies and guides for inspiration.
Startup guide Headstart: bite-sized video advice Inventors HandbookInnovation case studies Support for high-growth technology businesses European Inventor AwardDeep Tech FinderMore advice
Visit these free resources on patent knowledge and intellectual property and learn how they can support innovation and business.
Academy training offer for business and IP managers
PATLIB network
EUIPO - for trade marks and design
European IP Helpdesk
* The general information on these pages and videos provides only a broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.