Patents protect technical inventions, such as products or processes which are new and are not an obvious development of what has gone before. They protect against unauthorised use, production, import or other exploitation of an invention and are likely to be the most valuable intellectual property right in the context of commercialisation of university research. 

To be eligible for registration as a patent at most patent offices an invention must be “new” i.e., must not have been disclosed to any-one before the patent is applied for except under confidentiality obligations. Even disclosure to a friend or colleague in passing will mean your invention is no longer “new” and will invalidate any patent application. Patents last for 20 years from the filing date, provided annual renewal fees are paid (and potentially for a longer period of time for specific types of patents). 

If you believe you have an idea that may fall under patent protection you contact us at RIFS@Northampton.ac.uk as soon as possible. 

Patent Toolkit 

Santander have teamed up with the British Library creating a toolkit providing guidance on how you should be protecting your idea. This toolkit provides information, case studies and lots of useful resources for anybody interested in filing a patent to protect their invention.