Patent Protection

A patent protects inventions that are new, involve an inventive step and are capable of industrial application. In the UK, this includes products, processes, machines, chemical compositions and methods of manufacture. Once protected by a patent, your innovation cannot be copied by competitors without permission, allowing you to secure market share, licence your technology or pursue infringement action if necessary. Patents give you exclusive rights to make, use, sell or import the patented invention for up to 20 years. Specialist patent lawyers help you identify what aspects of your invention are protectable and draft claims that maximise your advantage.

UK patents protect a wide range of inventions including mechanical devices, electronic systems, chemical formulations, manufacturing processes, biotechnology innovations and computer-implemented inventions where technical contribution is demonstrated. However, certain subject matter is excluded: pure business methods, mathematical theories, scientific discoveries, aesthetic creations and methods of medical treatment cannot be patented in the UK. To qualify, your invention must be new (not previously disclosed), involve an inventive step (not obvious to someone skilled in the field) and be capable of industrial application. Professional assessment determines whether your innovation meets these criteria and how best to protect it.

UK patents last for up to 20 years from the filing date, provided you pay annual renewal fees. Renewal fees start in the fifth year and increase annually over the life of the patent. Fees are due on the anniversary of your application filing date each year. If you miss the deadline, you have a six-month grace period to pay with an additional late fee. Failure to renew results in your patent lapsing and losing protection. At Panoramix IP we manage renewal deadlines across your portfolio, ensuring you maintain protection cost-effectively and avoid accidental lapses that could expose your innovations to competitors.

Monitoring for patent infringement involves regularly reviewing competitor products, patent filings, marketing materials and industry publications to identify potential copying of your protected technology. You can use patent watch services, conduct market surveillance and analyse competitor product specifications for similarities to your patented claims. Early detection is important because delayed enforcement can weaken your position and allow infringers to establish themselves in your market. At Panoramix IP, our patent protection services include proactive monitoring to help you conduct technical comparisons between your patents and competitor products, identify potential infringement early and maintain your competitive advantage. Ready to protect your innovations? Contact us today to discuss your patent monitoring needs.

If you suspect patent infringement, gather evidence promptly to preserve your rights and limit damage. Start by collecting product specifications, sales data and technical documentation that demonstrates the alleged infringement. Avoid public accusations without legal advice, as this can weaken your position or expose you to counterclaims. Contact specialist patent lawyers who can conduct detailed infringement analysis, assess the strength of your case and advise on enforcement options. At Panoramix IP we conduct technical claim mapping, send cease-and-desist letters where appropriate, negotiate settlements or prepare litigation for injunctions and damages.

In the UK, if patent infringement is proven, several remedies are available. Injunctions prevent the infringer from continuing to make, use or sell the patented invention. Damages compensate you for financial losses caused by the infringement, whilst an account of profits allows you to claim the infringer’s gains from unauthorised use. Delivery up orders require the infringer to hand over or destroy infringing products and materials. In some cases, negotiated settlements may be more beneficial than court action, saving time and cost whilst protecting your interests. Experienced patent lawyers evaluate which remedies align with your business goals and pursue the most effective enforcement strategy.

Yes, we provide international patent enforcement across the UK, EU and US. Our dual-qualified UK patent lawyers coordinate enforcement action in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring your patents are protected wherever infringement occurs. Whether you hold UK national patents, European patents or US patents, we manage the strategy and legal proceedings, working with trusted local counsel where required. Enforcing patents internationally requires understanding different legal systems, procedural rules and remedies available in each territory. Working with a single firm across borders reduces delays and cost compared to instructing separate counsel in each country.

We work with you to identify your core innovations, prioritise patent filings based on value and competitive threats and build a layered portfolio that protects key products and future developments. This involves conducting IP audits, mapping your technology roadmap to filing deadlines, coordinating applications across jurisdictions and managing renewals efficiently. Long-term patent strategy also includes monitoring competitors, pursuing enforcement where necessary and leveraging your portfolio through licensing or partnerships. At Panoramix IP our patent lawyers align protection strategies with your business goals, ensuring your IP investment delivers tangible returns as your company grows and new technologies emerge. If you are a new client or business looking for new representation, we are offering a free 45-minute IP clinic to get you started. For more information, call us today or complete our online form and we will be in touch.

Failing to protect or enforce your patents can result in loss of market share, reduced pricing power and weakened competitive position. Competitors may copy your innovations without consequences, eroding your advantage. Delayed enforcement can undermine your credibility and make it harder to secure injunctions or damages, as courts may question your commitment to protecting your rights. Additionally, failure to pay renewal fees results in patent lapse, losing protection entirely. Not actively managing your portfolio can also mean missed licensing opportunities and inefficient spending on patents that no longer serve your business objectives.

Patent law is highly technical and procedural, requiring detailed knowledge of patentability requirements, claim drafting, prosecution strategies and enforcement options. A patent solicitor has the expertise to identify what aspects of your invention are protectable, draft robust claims that withstand examination and opposition and navigate complex filing procedures across multiple jurisdictions. DIY patent applications often result in weak protection, rejected claims or enforceable loopholes that competitors can exploit. Professional advice ensures your patents are valuable, strategically positioned and enforceable when needed, saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes that could compromise your competitive advantage. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your free 45-minute IP clinic.