Patents

We develop tailored, commercially driven IP strategies that support your growth — whether you’re seeking funding, launching a new product, or preparing for acquisition.

A strong patent portfolio is a powerful commercial asset. We proactively manage your patent portfolio and trade marks to ensure they stay aligned with your evolving business goals.

At appropriate points in the development timescale and before you launch, we search and assess existing competitor IP to help you avoid infringement risks and uncover opportunities in the competitive landscape.

Investors want assurance that your innovation is protected. We help early-stage and scaling businesses build IP portfolios that stand up to investor scrutiny and add weight to funding rounds or to support an IPO.

Whether you’re pursuing a partnership, licence or acquisition, we assess the other company’s IP risks and strengths — ensuring you’re ready for the next big opportunity.

When your patent rights are challenged, we respond strategically. Our attorneys manage oppositions and appeals to defend your commercial position and protect your innovation.

We help you unlock the value of your IP by drafting and negotiating licensing agreements that generate revenue while mitigating legal risk.

Not all innovation needs to be patented. We advise on protecting confidential business information through trade secrets — ideal for processes, algorithms, and know-how.

We empower your internal teams with bespoke IP training, helping them identify and protect innovations early, and make confident, informed IP decisions.

The patent process typically takes between three and five years from the date of filing to grant, though the exact timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of your invention, the countries where protection is sought, and the pace of examination by individual patent offices.

It begins with the filing stage, where your application is drafted and submitted — a process that usually takes two to six weeks. This filing sets your “priority date,” which becomes the reference point for determining what constitutes prior art. Within 12 months, many applicants use the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route to preserve the option of securing protection in more than 150 countries through a single international application.

Around 18 months after filing, your application is published — making the details of your invention publicly available. From here, if you used the PCT route at 30 months, you decide in which countries to pursue protection. The application then enters the examination phase. Patent examiners assess whether your invention meets all legal criteria, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. If any objections are raised, your representative can respond and, if needed, amend the claims to overcome them.

If all goes well, your patent is granted. While this usually takes three to five years from the initial filing, your rights are backdated to your priority date — giving you early protection while your application moves through the system.

Although the process can feel lengthy, you will be fully supported by experienced patent attorneys who understand your commercial objectives. If you’re planning to file, visit our blog “The Patent Process” to avoid delays, and align your IP with your broader commercial goals. For more detail on each phase, visit our guide: How to Patent an Invention: 10 Essential Steps in the UK Patent Process.

Every innovation is different — and so is the support you need to protect it. That’s why our approach to patent support is always tailored around your business, your goals, and your stage of growth. At Stratagem, you’ll have a dedicated lead attorney who acts as your primary point of contact, backed by a wider team with the technical knowledge to match your sector and the commercial experience to keep strategy at the forefront.

We work closely with you throughout the process, offering proactive, hands-on guidance from the first conversation to long-term management. Whether it’s regular check-ins, virtual catchups, or rapid response to key milestones, our communication is always clear, timely, and focused on helping you move forward with confidence.

Our role goes beyond simply filing a patent. We help embed IP into your wider business plans — making sure your protection aligns with your investment strategy, product roadmap, and market ambitions. Whether you’re filing for a single invention, need support through a funding round, or are looking to build a long-term portfolio, we adapt to fit your needs.

As your business evolves, so too does your IP strategy. With Stratagem, your patent continues to grow in commercial value and strategic relevance — supporting innovation today and opening doors for what comes next.

A patent doesn’t automatically give you worldwide protection — it only applies in the countries where you file and are granted rights. There’s currently no such thing as a single “global patent,” but there are smart ways to build international protection efficiently and cost-effectively.

If you’re looking to protect your innovation beyond your home market, one common approach is to file an international application through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This gives you up to 30 months from your initial filing to explore protection in over 150 countries — buying valuable time to assess markets, attract funding, or build your commercial strategy.

Once that period ends, you’ll enter the national phase, where you choose which countries to pursue protection in. At this point, you’ll need to meet local legal requirements, file translations, and cover fees — which makes it essential to focus on the territories that matter most to your business.

Because every country has its own laws, timelines, and technical requirements, international patenting can get complicated quickly. That’s why a well-planned international patent strategy is key. At Stratagem, our patent attorneys help you prioritise regions based on your commercial goals, manage deadlines and documentation, and ensure your applications are aligned with your long-term growth plans. It’s about protecting your innovation where it matters — while keeping your resources focused on what delivers value.

Filing a patent is a critical step in protecting your innovation, but common mistakes can undermine its effectiveness and reduce commercial value. One of the biggest pitfalls is getting the timing wrong. If you file too early, your invention might not be developed enough to meet the legal requirements. But if you wait too long, even a single public disclosure — like a presentation, blog post, or funding pitch — could destroy your chances of securing protection altogether.

Another issue is filing in isolation, without connecting the patent to your broader business strategy. A strong patent doesn’t just cover technical details — it should reinforce your commercial objectives, support investor conversations, and create barriers to entry in the markets that matter. If the protection isn’t aligned with your goals, it might look impressive on paper but deliver limited value in practice.

Inadequate disclosure is also a risk. Your application must clearly and completely describe the invention so that someone skilled in your field could reproduce it. Vague or incomplete information can lead to rejection or make it easier for competitors to work around your patent.

Some businesses also unintentionally disclose key details before filing — through marketing, investor discussions, or early product launches. In many jurisdictions, this can permanently compromise your ability to patent the idea. And finally, overlooking international markets is a costly oversight. Since a patent is territorial, protecting your innovation overseas requires a planned filing strategy that covers the right regions at the right time.

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your patent does more than protect — it actively supports growth, competitiveness, and return on innovation. With the right advice, timing, and expert patent attorney services, your filing becomes a strategic asset.

Talking about your invention before filing a patent can be risky — and in some cases, it can mean losing the ability to protect your idea altogether. In many regions, including the UK, Europe, and China, any public disclosure before a patent application is filed can destroy the novelty of your invention. That includes product demos, conference presentations, research papers, sales pitches, or even informal conversations. Once the idea is out in the public domain, it’s usually no longer eligible for protection.

To safeguard your rights, it’s essential to keep your invention confidential until after filing. If you do need to share details — for example, with potential investors or collaborators — always use a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This ensures that discussions are legally protected and don’t count as public disclosure. While some countries, such as the United States and Canada, offer a limited grace period after public disclosure, relying on this can complicate your ability to seek protection elsewhere.

The safest and most effective approach is to develop a clear patent strategy before you talk to anyone outside your business. That way, you can engage stakeholders with confidence while ensuring your innovation remains protected and eligible for strong, enforceable rights worldwide — backed by professional patent attorney services at every stage.

If your patent is challenged by a third party, it can be a critical moment for your business — but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to derail your plans. Challenges may arise soon after your patent is granted, such as through post-grant opposition at the European Patent Office, or later through court proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction. These actions typically aim to revoke or limit the scope of your patent.

The most common reasons for challenge include claims that your invention isn’t genuinely new (due to previously published work), that it lacks inventive step (meaning it’s too obvious), or that it isn’t described in enough detail for someone skilled in the field to reproduce it. Occasionally, challengers may argue that your invention isn’t industrially applicable — that it doesn’t have a real-world, practical use.

The key to defending your patent lies in the strength of your original application and your ability to respond strategically. High-quality drafting, thorough prior art review, and well-documented evidence of inventiveness make a significant difference. In some cases, it may be possible to amend the patent to address objections while preserving valuable protection.

Having a robust IP strategy from the outset puts you in a stronger position to defend your rights. At Stratagem, we help you anticipate potential challenges and ensure your patent is ready to stand up to scrutiny — protecting not just your innovation, but the commercial advantages that come with it.

Holding a granted patent gives you exclusive rights to stop others from using or commercialising your invention — but it doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’re free to operate without restrictions. That’s because your invention might still overlap with someone else’s existing patent, which could expose your business to legal risk.

Before launching a new product, process, or service, it’s vital to confirm that you’re not inadvertently infringing another party’s intellectual property. This is where a Freedom to Operate (FTO) search comes in. An FTO analysis helps uncover whether an existing patent could block your plans — giving you the chance to assess risks, avoid disputes, or adapt your strategy before committing significant time and investment.

Failing to carry out an FTO search could lead to costly delays, product redesigns, or even litigation. By taking this step early, you gain the clarity and confidence to move forward, knowing your route to market is legally secure. At Stratagem, we help businesses of all sizes navigate this process, ensuring your innovation can move from idea to launch without unexpected IP roadblocks.

Yes — even if you’re unaware of an existing patent, you can still face legal consequences for infringement. In patent law, ignorance is not a defence. If your product, service, or process falls within the scope of someone else’s patent claims, the patent owner may take enforcement action, which could include injunctions, damages, or legal proceedings.

That’s why it’s critical to assess your legal position before entering the market. A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search identifies if there exists a patent that could pose a risk, helping you avoid accidental infringement. As your development progresses or your product evolves, additional checks may be needed to keep your position clear.

By being proactive, you reduce the chance of costly delays, redesigns, or disputes — and you move forward with confidence, knowing your innovation is on solid legal ground. At Stratagem, we help you stay ahead of these risks by building FTO into your development and launch strategy from day one.

If you come across a competitor’s patent, don’t ignore it — understanding its potential impact is crucial before continuing with product development or commercialisation. The first step is to assess the status of the patent. Is it granted and enforceable, still under examination, expired, or abandoned? Each scenario carries different implications for your freedom to operate.

The next step is evaluating whether your product or process might infringe any of the patent’s claims. This isn’t always obvious — and assumptions can be risky. A professional review of the claims, scope, and legal standing helps you understand where the risks lie. If necessary, we can conduct a detailed Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis to determine your safest and most strategic way forward.

Taking action early protects you from costly legal disputes, delays, or forced design changes. At Stratagem, we help you weigh up your options and respond proactively — whether that means redesigning the product, negotiating a licence, or challenging the patent. With the right advice, you can make informed, commercially sound decisions without slowing your momentum.

IP due diligence is all about clarity, certainty, and reducing risk — especially when there’s investment, acquisition, or licensing on the table. For a patent or registered design, the process involves a detailed review of whether the rights provide the protection the buyer, investor, or licensee expects.

This includes confirming that the IP is valid, accurately registered, and currently in force. We also look at the scope of protection — what exactly the IP covers — and whether there are any gaps, limitations, or upcoming expiries that might impact its commercial value.

Equally important is understanding your ability to operate without infringing third-party rights. Due diligence includes reviewing whether there’s freedom to operate in the intended markets, and whether any other existing rights could pose a risk after the deal is done.

At Stratagem, we provide clear, actionable due diligence assessments that support confident decisions. Whether you’re investing, being acquired, or entering a licence agreement, we make sure your IP stands up to scrutiny — and supports your success on the other side of the deal.

Uncovering an issue during IP due diligence doesn’t always spell disaster — but it does demand careful handling. The impact depends on the nature and severity of the finding. In more serious cases, such as a lapse in protection, an ownership dispute, or the risk of infringement, the deal may be delayed or even abandoned while parties reassess their position.

More often, due diligence reveals gaps or concerns that can be addressed through contract terms. For example, limited territorial coverage or pending oppositions might lead to price adjustments, indemnity clauses, or specific obligations post-deal to manage the risk. These insights don’t just protect you — they give you leverage in negotiations and help ensure you’re paying the right price for the right protection.

Importantly, not all findings are negative. Due diligence can also reveal hidden value — such as unregistered rights, trade secrets, or opportunities to strengthen protection — which can enhance the deal or improve your future position.

At Stratagem, we help you interpret and act on due diligence findings strategically. Whether issues need mitigating, pricing needs adjusting, or additional opportunities arise, we guide you toward a commercially sound agreement that reflects the true value — and risk — of the IP involved.

When navigating IP due diligence, protecting your commercially sensitive information is just as important as disclosing it. The key is to maintain control over what’s shared, who sees it, and under what conditions. This starts with clear legal safeguards — typically in the form of a Confidentiality Agreement (CDA) or Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) — which ensure that any disclosed information is treated as confidential and only accessed by authorised individuals.

To further reduce risk, access should be limited to named recipients with a genuine need to know. In some cases, businesses appoint an independent third party, such as an external IP advisor, to act as a neutral intermediary. This helps manage the flow of information while keeping sensitive material out of the wider transaction team’s view.

For full oversight, many organisations use a secure online data room. These platforms provide controlled access, allow activity tracking, and let you set time-limited permissions — giving you peace of mind that your information is seen only by the right people, at the right time.

At Stratagem, we help clients set up and manage IP due diligence processes that are both transparent and secure — so you can move forward with confidence while keeping your competitive advantage protected.