Franks & Co

Franks & Co European patent and trade mark attorneys.

Interested in pursuing patent protection for your invention 💡 but are slightly put off by the time scale it takes for an...
10/01/2025

Interested in pursuing patent protection for your invention 💡 but are slightly put off by the time scale it takes for an application to be granted?

Applied for patent protection but not enthusiastic about how long it is taking to get a decision on whether the UK Intellectual Property Office will grant you a monopoly right? 🐌

What if there was a way to speed up patent application process? ⏩

There actually is.

In fact, there are a number of strategies that you can utilise to speed up the time it takes to get a patent application granted! 😲

One strategy is by requesting combined search and examination on filing.

This move can potentially save up to two years in the time it takes to prosecute a patent application through to grant when compared to delaying these requests until when they need to be made.

Want to know what other strategies can be used to speed up the patent application process?

We have prepared a white paper which contains valuable information on how a UK patent application can be granted more quickly. You can download our white paper via the following link:
https://www.franksco.com/services/ask-an-expert/speeding-up-uk-patent-applications/

If you need assistance or advice in how to cost effectively implement on of the strategies to achieve faster grant, please reach out to one of our Patent Attorneys who would be more than happy to assist you.

We see many people overlooking the patent process as a form of protection for their invention(s). It makes total sense,...
08/01/2025

We see many people overlooking the patent process as a form of protection for their invention(s).

It makes total sense, when they think that the time it takes for a patent application to get granted just takes … too … long.

In today’s day and age, where we expect things to happen at microwave speed, a system where speed of process is not its primary concern does not seem enticing.

While 3 – 5 years can seem like a long time, and in some industries, it is. However, time can pass by quite quickly.

Hindsight is a great teacher, but would want to risk going through the pain and upset of not pursing patent protection when you could have?

From our experience, you would rather be holding a patent document covering your invention five years down the line than having to restructure your business plans due to a competitor’s patent preventing you from putting a Mark III version of your invention on the market.

So unless you can’t envision your business lasting longer than a few years into the future, don’t dismiss the value that patent protection would bring even if it can feel like a slow process.



P.S. Found this post helpful? Please share with those who you know will benefit from this post.

It’s not about the time it takes … ⏳It is about the monopoly it brings! 💰 We come across many decision makers dismissing...
07/01/2025

It’s not about the time it takes … ⏳

It is about the monopoly it brings! 💰

We come across many decision makers dismissing pursing patent protection for their inventions because of the length of time it can take to obtain a granted patent.

It’s not their fault.

They think that the patent process will tie up their time and attentions for years, and so instead choose to rely on trade secrets.

While trade secrets can be effective, they offer no legal recourse if the information is reversed-engineered.

3 to 5 years can seem a long time to obtain a patent monopoly, but compared to the benefits the monopoly rights would bring, it is time well spent.

So, don’t let the perceived time it takes to obtain patent protection put you off from investigating whether it is the best way to protect your invention.

If you don’t take the right action now, you might regret it for years to come. 😩

It’s not about “If”It is about “When”Did you know many entrepreneurs operate under the misconception that simply holding...
30/12/2024

It’s not about “If”

It is about “When”

Did you know many entrepreneurs operate under the misconception that simply holding IP rights guarantees protection against infringement?

It’s not their fault, they believe that all infringement is “intentional” and that it is only done by “shadowy” people.

But the truth is that while patents, trade marks, and copyright protection are vital tools, they don't automatic prevent infringement from occurring.

We’ve met countless of business owners who believed their hard work was protected – only to find themselves facing challenges due to oversight in enforcement.

Things of value, which your Intellectual Property is, always attract the attention of third parties who want a short cut to financial gain, and infringement of someone’s rights is a fast track to their goal.

Understanding and protecting your rights is just the beginning, you also need to be proactive in its enforcement against unauthorised use.

What steps are you taking to proactively safeguard your IP rights?

23/12/2024

We wish you a Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 and a Happy New Year 🥳 🎆

May 2025 bring you Joy 😊 , Success 📈 and Inspired Ideas 💡 that are worth protecting 🛡️.

Who’s responsible?You! 🫵There’s a common misconception that “Government authorities will automatically monitor and enfor...
04/12/2024

Who’s responsible?

You! 🫵

There’s a common misconception that “Government authorities will automatically monitor and enforce my IP rights.”

Afterall, Government authorities are meant to uphold the law, and infringement is a violation of one’s rights and contrary to IP laws.

But the truth is that you are responsible for monitoring and enforcing your IP rights.

Relying on government authorities to monitor and enforce you IP rights without taking personal action can lead to erosion of your rights and potential loss of recourse against a third party due to lack of or prolonged delay in enforcement of your rights.

You would agree that it makes not sense to spend time, effort, and money to obtain IP rights only for a third party to take advantage of your work without your permission. So why be complacent when it comes to protecting your IP rights.

Not actively monitoring the marketplace for unauthorized use of your IP rights or enforcing your rights against infringers can have long term detrimental effects on your business.

If you are too busy with the day to day of running your business or managing projects to police your rights, you can hire an IP Attorney to police your rights on your behalf.

The investment is worth its weight in gold.

It is not up to the government authorities to police your IP rights. It is down to you to protect your rights. We see m...
02/12/2024

It is not up to the government authorities to police your IP rights. It is down to you to protect your rights.

We see many right owners relying on government authorities to monitor and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights without taking personal action. It is not their fault.

They think that since the government authority granted the right, they would also automatically take action against third parties who infringe on the granted rights.

But the truth is that IP right holders must actively monitor and enforce their rights, sometimes relying on legal action to protect their IP rights from infringers.

Authorities do not automatically enforce IP rights!

Thinking of using a third party’s work, and don’t have permission to do so?Unauthorized use can result in you infringing...
01/11/2024

Thinking of using a third party’s work, and don’t have permission to do so?

Unauthorized use can result in you infringing the rights of the owner if the work is protected by copyright.

If the owner decides to take action against you, you can end up in costly legal proceedings. Is it worth the risk?

Speak to one our Copyright Attorneys who can help you navigate the intricacies of copyright law.

Simply visit www.franksco.com/contact/ and complete the online form. One of our Copyright Attorneys will get back to you within 24hrs.

At Franks & Co, we have many years of experience working with individuals and all types of businesses helping them navigate the intellectual property landscape.

You’re in safe hands.

You may thing that “If I give credit, I can use their work however I want.” We see many people who believe that simply m...
31/10/2024

You may thing that “If I give credit, I can use their work however I want.”

We see many people who believe that simply mentioning the original creator is enough to use or share their work.

After all, a shout-out feels courteous.

But the truth is that attribution alone doesn’t many you have the green light to use someone else’s work freely. Even with the best intentions.

Yes, giving credit shows respect (and a number of people don’t even do that), but is not a ‘get out of jail free’ card for copyright infringement.

Navigating copyright law might seem daunting, but if you follow this simple rule, you shouldn’t have any issues:
ALWAYS ASK FIRST

By seeking permission, you respect not only the creator’s legal rights, but their efforts also.

Depending on the intended use, permission may be easily obtained.

Even when it is not possible to obtain permission, it is safer to find an alternative work to use – one that you have permission for, than to run the risk of legal proceedings being brought against you for copyright infringement.

It is quite common in today’s day and age for information to spread fast. You’ve probably seen great ideas, quotes, or i...
30/10/2024

It is quite common in today’s day and age for information to spread fast.

You’ve probably seen great ideas, quotes, or insights circulating on social media and the internet. In some cases, credit is given to the author or creator.

However, using copyrighted material without permission, even if you give credit to the creator does not automatically absolve you from copyright infringement.

Attribution does not replace the need for explicit permission from the copyright holder.

No obtaining permission for your intended use runs the risk of you infringing someone’s rights, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

Even when using stock images or open-source material, it is IMPORTANT to fully understand the scope of the permission given to use the work.

Failure to do so can land you in big trouble down the line, especially if the right owner decides to enforce their rights against unauthorised use of their work.

If you are thinking of using copyrighted material, make sure that the use is permissible.

We come across many people who believe that attribution equals permission when it comes to using copyrighted work. It’s ...
29/10/2024

We come across many people who believe that attribution equals permission when it comes to using copyrighted work.

It’s not their fault.

They think giving credit to the author means “I can use their work legally.”

The truth is that attribution does not replace the need for explicit permission from the copyright holder.

If you want to use a copyrighted work legally, ensure that permission is obtained from the copyright holder in one form or another.

You may fall into the false sense of security that it’s okay because others are doing it too. However, if legal proceedings are brought against you, saying “but I just did what others are doing!" isn’t going to be a very strong defence.

It is not about attribution. It is about permission. I see many people using copyrighted material without permission. It...
28/10/2024

It is not about attribution.

It is about permission.

I see many people using copyrighted material without permission.

It is not their fault.

They think giving credit to the creator is sufficient, because they believe that “as long as I credit the creator, I can use their work however I want.”

But the truth is that attribution does not replace the need for explicit permission from the copyright holder to use their work.

Address

15 Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane Unit 15
Sheffield
S92RX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441142499888

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