| Step number | Step corresponding information |
| step 1 |
Prepare a patent specification which includes - a written description (to allow others to see how it works) - drawings (to illustrate your invention) - Claims (precise legal statements in the form of single sentences to define the technical features) - an abstract (a summary that includes the important technical aspects) |
| step 2 | You fill in and file the form 1/77 "Request for grant of a patent" with us, together with two identical copies of your patent specification. |
| step 3 |
We respond by issuing a filing receipt which includes an application number. If you are applying without the help of a patent agent we will also send you a letter explaining the next steps. |
| step 4 |
You fill in and file a form 9A/77 with the appropriate fee asking for a "preliminary examination and search" You must do this by a given date- usually 12 months of your filing date. If your application includes a priority the deadline is 2 months from your filing date or 12 months from your priority date, whichever is later. |
| step 5 |
We carry out a preliminary examination to make sure your application meets certain formal requirements and search through published patents and other documents to assess whether or not the invention in new and inventive. We aim to issue our search report to you within six months of receiving your form 9A/77. |
| step 6 | We publish your patent application shortly after 18 months from your filing date (or priority date), as long as you have meet the formal requirements, filed the form 9A/77 and fee, and nor asked us to withdraw the application. |
| step 7 | You fill in and file form 10/77 with us, together with the appropriate fee, asking for "a substantive examination" no later than 6 months after publication. |
| step 8 |
We examine your application, let you know what, if anything needs to be amended and the period of time you have in which to respond. If your application meets all the requirements of the Patents Act 1977, we will grant your patent, publish your application and send you a certificate of grant. |
Innovaccess is a constituent part of the IP Awareness and Enforcement: Modular Based Actions for SMEs project (IPeuropAware) which is co-financed by the CIP Programme, DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission
