Using and enforcing your patent

You can decide how to use and enforce your patent.

Using

You can give someone else permission to use your patent by granting them a licence.

You can use your patent as security for a loan. The mortgagor has a legal right in your patent until you repay the loan.

You may want to involve others to help exploit, develop or market your patent. We do not give direct advice on this, but help is available.

Displaying your rights may deter people from using your patent without permission.

A United Kingdom (UK) patent only protects you in the UK, so make sure you are protected everywhere you want to trade.

You can ask us for our opinion about infringement or validity of a patent.

You can ask us to review an opinion you do not agree with.

If someone uses your patent without permission, you can stop them.

You can use certified copies to to help resolve a dispute or to apply abroad.