The process for obtaining a UK patent begins with filing at least a description of the invention, together with any drawings, at the UK Patent Office.
Within 12 months of the original filing date it is necessary to file claims defining the invention and to request the Patent Office to carry out a search for relevant prior publications.
The application, together with the search report, is published by the Patent Office after about 18 months from the filing date.
Following publication there is a 6 month period within which to request the Patent Office to Carry out a full examination of the application. During examination there is an opportunity for dialogue with the Patent Office Examiner handling the application regarding the patentability of the invention.
Provided any objections are overcome, a patent is usually granted about 4 years after the filing date (the process can be speeded up if necessary) and can be kept in force for up to 20 years from the filing date.
UK patents are relatively inexpensive to obtain, but cover only the UK.
If you are looking for patent cover in a number of countries, an initial UK patent application is generally the best first step, but within the 12 month period following the initial UK patent application it will be necessary to file further patent applications in other countries.