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Thank you so much for explaining the options to me in such a clear and concise manner. A. Wright
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Use our simple European Patent Cost Calculator to obtain a quote and to order your European patent filing.
Did you know...
Can I patent a Business Method / Software / a Game ?
In the USA, yes if it is unique and inventive. But in the UK and Europe, it is likely to be much more difficult or impossible. However, a Registered Design might be suitable. Ask us for further advice.
Helpful tip
It will be difficult to patent a business method, software or a game in the UK and Europe, but it may be possible in the USA.
I have a British patent application with 21 claims. How can I reduce the European filing costs?
15 Claims - Significant extra fees are charged by the European Patent Office (EPO) for each claim over 15. Therefore, if possible, slim your claims down.
Is there any advice for reducing examination costs of a European patent application?
Novel claims - if you have a priority patent application, such as a British patent application, then consider amending the claims prior to filing the European patent application to make them as novel and inventive as possible. This will help reduce prosecution costs.
I have an international PCT patent application. I’ve converted it to a national US patent application. Can I defer the conversion to a European regional phase application to conserve costs?
31 months - If filing a European patent application from an international PCT patent application, you have until 31 months from priority to do so, which is longer than the usual 30 months of many countries, including the USA. So you are able to defer the conversion for one extra month, but after that, large surcharges are incurred.
Are there any other ways to reduce European prosecution costs?
Claim references - Amend the text of the claims to include the reference number of each element. This will help to reduce prosecution costs.
Business Methods, Software and Games
A common query is : "I have a method of doing business (i.e. creating or improving upon a revenue stream) / I have a website with an improved interface or user-experience / I have a new game - can I obtain patent protection ?"
In the UK and Europe, the short answer unfortunately is 'Probably not. We can certainly try, but it is likely to be expensive.' These three items are gennerally excluded from patent protection by the UK Patents Act and also under the European Patents Convention. However, in the USA, the patent laws a somewhat more liberal, and therefore it is very possible that, if the idea is sufficiently unique and inventive, then US patent protection can be secured. Please ask us for further advice.
