Thanks K and Cus
I hope you find our brief guide useful.
As to an article on designs, yes we can do that. Design registration is even more straight-forward than trademarks.
We have considered an article on patents, but really don't think it's a good idea. The reason is that the key to applying for a patent is in writing the application, and that really needs to be done by a patent attorney if the applicant wants to stand a good chance of acquiring protection.
I have seen dozens of DIY patents and only two have been any good. There are huge legal differences arising from the use of closely related words, the classic example in patent applications being 'consisting' and 'comprising'. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a large body of case law and working out what the
essential* elements of an invention are is a skill in itself (hence the rigorous exams that patent attorneys have to take).
*If the claims of a patent are drafted such that they include a non-essential element of an invention then patent infringement can in most circumstances be avoided by simply leaving that element out of what would otherwise be an infringing product/process.
In general DIY applications can be worthless, even dangerous. I have seen numerous instances of someone filing a patent application, thinking they are protected, disclosing their invention and then not being able to obtain the patent protection they might have got if the application had been properly written. Just last week I withdrew two DIY applications on behalf of clients, filing professionally written applications in their place. The DIY applications stood no chance of obtaining protection.
Thus, if we were to write an article on applying for patent protection 'on a shoe-string' the advice would have to be 'don't do it'.
Any such article would seem self-serving as we are a firm of patent attorneys, and that's not an image we want to portray.
Designs, however, as mentioned above are suitable subject matter as we can give practical guidance without effectively saying 'pay for our services'.
Incidentally, if you are looking for free IP advice we run 1-2-1 sessions in partnership with the British Library, providing guidance to anyone interested in IP. More details can be found here; you can book a session if you follow the links:
http://www.londonip.com/london_ip_and_the_british_library.html
Also, every firm of patent and trademark attorneys should give free half hour consultations. You could try taking them up on that, perhaps visit a few firms for different perspectives.
I believe that CIPA runs some free IP clinics as well, with patent attorneys donating their time to provide free advice.
I would also recommend discussing any questions you have with UKIPO. For a Government body they are remarkably responsive and helpful.
Personally I enjoy providing some
pro-bono advice as it's pretty much the only way I can give back something to society using my professional training (other than assisting client applicants in seeking protection for their technological innovations that can enhance everyone's living standards).
David
