• Principal practice groups
• Specialist practice groups
• What we do
  • Patent Protection
  • Trade Marks Protection
  • Design, copyright and database rights
  • Commercialising and Enforcing IP
  • Due diligence
  • Translation support
• Withers & Rogers Renewals LLP

A patent is protection given to the function of a product. It is a bargain between the inventor of a product and the body that grants the patent - a temporary monopoly is given to the holder of the patent in return for the disclosure of the invention.

As new products and processes are developed, it is important that patentable inventions are identified as early as possible, and action taken to protect them.

We start by helping our clients to identify and protect patentable inventions. This often involves carrying out ‘freedom to use' searches for new products.

Our in-depth technical knowledge, combined with our professional expertise, means that we fully understand the market sector you are operating in and your commercial goals. We use this knowledge and expertise to advise you on all aspects of patent protection.

We have specialists in all major technical disciplines including mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology. This breadth and depth of expertise allows us to construct teams to match your needs.

Our patent protection services include:

• Patent applications - a core part of what we do involves preparing and filing patent applications and pursuing them to grant through the application process

• Representing our clients at UKIPO and European Patent Office hearings in appeals and opposition cases

• Providing patentability and freedom to practice opinions

• Renewals

• Register checks or prior art searches using a variety of online databases

• Maintaining a regular watching service for patent publications either in a broad field, in specific subject areas, or on the prosecution of a particular patent application, an opposition or an appeal

• Seeking Supplementary Protection Certificates for medicinal and plant protection products

• Negotiating and drafting licences and other technology transfer agreements

• Patent attorney reports for investors and in conjunction with Stock Market and Alternative Investment Market listings

• Litigation advice and support

• Advising on semiconductor topography rights

• Obtaining protection for plant varieties

See Life Sciences & Chemistry group

See Advanced Engineering group

See Electronics, Computing and Physics group

As UK and European Patent Attorneys we act extensively before both the United Kingdom Patent Office and the European Patent Office. We are skilled in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications and in oral proceedings (hearings) in both opposition and appeal procedures at the European Patent Office. Our in-house training programmes ensure that best practice for EPO hearings is achieved across our firm.

Many of our clients operate internationally and we provide a world-wide service in obtaining patent protection and advising on patent disputes. The long-standing relationships we have with patent attorneys throughout the world ensure that we are able to deliver an unrivalled international practice

What patent attorneys do - our services in detail

In addition to obtaining registration of patents through the filing and prosecution process, our expert practitioners also have considerable experience in European Patent Office hearings in appeals and opposition cases; providing patentability and infringement opinions; advising on semiconductor topography rights; seeking Supplementary Protection Certificates for medicinal and plant protection products; obtaining protection for plant varieties; negotiating and drafting licences and other technology transfer agreements; and maintaining a regular watching service for patent publications either in a broad field, in specific subject areas, or on the prosecution of a particular patent application, an opposition or an appeal.

Our attorneys can access various on-line searchable databases for prior art searching or Register checks. We have a computerised records and renewals system in-house so that we are able to offer a comprehensive service to clients here in the United Kingdom and abroad. Our case management system facilitates members of the firm working together from different offices and when travelling. Should litigation become necessary, our attorneys have extensive experience of instructing specialist barristers in the UK and active involvement in the ensuing legal proceedings, see also the "Contentious Practice" and "Enforcement and Exploitation" sections.

We also provide patent attorney reports for investors and in conjunction with Stock Market and Alternative Investment Market listings.