Apply for a patent: Prepare your application - GOV.UK

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APPLY FOR A PATENT Skip contents CONTENTS * Overview * Before you apply * Prepare your application * File your initial application * After you apply * Search, publication and


'substantive examination' * When a patent is granted PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION A patent application must include: * a description of your invention that allows others to see how it


works and how it could be made * legal statements that set out the technical features of your invention (that are to be protected (known as ‘claims’) * a summary of all the important


technical aspects of your invention (known as the ‘abstract’) There are rules on what these documents must include and how they must be presented. You may have to amend documents that are


not prepared correctly. Find out how to prepare your description, claims and abstract. You can also include any drawings you need to illustrate your description. You cannot change your


invention once you file your initial application, for example by adding completely new features. If you make a mistake or miss something out your application could be rejected and you may


not be able to apply for the same invention again. A patent attorney can help you prepare your documents. Previous : Before you apply Next : File your initial application View a printable


version of the whole guide