Potts, Kerr & Co.

Patents

Most machines, products, compositions and processes can be patented if they satisfy three main criteria: that they are new, inventive (i.e. not obvious in the light of what has been done before) and capable of being applied industrially.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO – formerly known as the UK Patent Office) handles about 25000 patent applications a year, whilst the European Patent Office (EPO) receives about 140000, including 'European regional phase' parts of international applications. The subject matters covered include such diverse areas as agriculture, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, genetic engineering, medicines, games, paints, electronics, photography and many more.

Our patent attorneys (see 'Our Attorneys') are experienced and qualified in a variety of technical fields, and are well able to handle and prosecute applications in these areas, and others. We regularly deal with British patent matters and applications at the EPO, and have wide experience in dealing with contentious issues, too. Specifically, we have a number of attorneys who have successfully handled a great many EPO oppositions and appeals, in Munich and The Hague, across a variety of subject matters, and who have an excellent – and well deserved – reputation in those areas.

We are also well able to look after patent applications further afield, through our extensive network of valued foreign associates, in just about every country in the world. In addition to patent prosecution, we also offer a range of commercially-useful and cost-effective ancillary services, such as third party patent monitoring, detailed subject matter searches, clearance checks and patent litigation advice.