Before filing foreign patents, it is usual to firstly file a patent application here in the UK. This UK application serves to establish a priority date for your invention. It is then possible to file foreign patent applications up to one year from the priority date in countries party to the Paris Convention, and these applications will claim the benefit of the priority date. In other words, it is as if the foreign applications are also filed on the priority date. This gives you, as the applicant, a one year window of opportunity to start exploiting your invention before you have to pay for foreign filings.

In obtaining foreign protection, it is possible to:

1. File separate national patent applications.

2. File an International (PCT) patent application.

3. File a European or other regional patent application.

4. File a combination of 1 and 3 above (depending on countries desired).

National patent filings cost anything from £1,000 to £2,500 + VAT for applications in English. Applications in other languages tend to cost between £2,000 and £5,000 + VAT including translation charges.

Prosecution costs are typically between £1000 and £2000 (excl VAT), but can amount to more than this if complicated or numerous objections are raised during the prosecution.

Renewal fees are payable on granted patents in all territories.

Albright Patents can advise you regarding foreign filing strategy, whilst taking account of your circumstances.