Other protection

There maybe other forms of protection, that are more suitable for your invention, instead of or in addition to patent protection.

Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs) and Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

It is important that you do not make your invention public before you apply to patent it, because this may mean that you cannot patent it, or it may make your patent invalid.

Geographic indications

Within the European Union, there are various European Community Regulations, which have direct effect in the United Kingdom (UK) that provide protection for geographical indications.

Plant breeders rights

If you have created a new variety of plant or seed, you may be able to protect it at The Plant Variety Rights Office and Seeds Division in the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Trade secrets

There is no legal requirement for you to file a patent, you could decide to keep your invention secret but if it enters the public domain then you may lose your rights to it.