Frequently asked questions
Common questions about working with us, confidentiality, protection and licensing.
Working with us
Are you a law firm or patent attorneys?
No. We are consultants focused on the strategy and commercial side of intellectual property. When you need legal advice, patent drafting or filing, we work alongside qualified patent and trade mark attorneys or solicitors – your own, or independent firms you choose.
Is the first conversation really free?
Yes. An initial call lets us understand your situation and tell you honestly whether and how we can help. There is no obligation.
How do you charge?
Most work is quoted as a fixed fee for a defined scope, agreed in writing before we start. Ongoing support can be agreed as a monthly retainer.
Can you work with clients outside the UK?
Yes. Much of our work is done by video call and email, and IP questions often involve several countries.
## Confidentiality
Should I sign an NDA before talking to you?
A first conversation can stay at a non-confidential level – what the technology does, not how it works. If we need technical detail, we will put a mutual NDA in place first.
Will talking to you count as a public disclosure?
Confidential discussions under an NDA are not a public disclosure. Even so, do not share technical details through our website form – we will agree how to exchange information securely.
## Protecting ideas
Can I patent an idea?
Patents protect inventions – technical solutions that are new and inventive and can be made or used – not bare ideas. Business methods and software can be harder to patent. We can help you understand what may be protectable and how else to protect it.
How long does a UK patent take and last?
A UK patent application typically takes several years to be granted, and a granted patent can last up to 20 years from filing if renewal fees are paid.
What is the difference between a trade mark and a company name?
Registering a company name at Companies House does not give you trade mark rights. A registered trade mark protects your brand for specific goods and services.
## Licensing and transfer
How are licence royalties set?
There is no single rate. Royalties depend on the technology, the market, the stage of development, exclusivity and the share of product value the IP represents. We help model options and benchmark terms.
We are a university spin-out. Who owns the IP?
Usually the university owns IP created by its staff, and licenses or assigns it to the spin-out on agreed terms. We help both sides structure that arrangement.
## Downloads
[[button|IP readiness checklist (PDF)|/wp-content/uploads/downloads/ip-readiness-checklist.pdf]]