For Inventors & Entrepreneurs

Starting out

Have you thought of a new idea which you think you could Patent, but don’t know where to start?

Halfords IP Attorneys will take the time to explain the basics of the patenting process and the costs of getting a Patent.

If you would like to read up on the Patent process, please go to our ‘Learn About Patents’ page under the ‘Learn’ tab above.

Alternatively, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email to set up an initial consultation to explain the Patent process with you directly.

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Do I have a patentable invention?

This is one of the most common questions asked by inventors.

For an invention to be ‘patentable’, it must satisfy a number of criteria, including that it is both ‘new’ and ‘inventive’.

Your invention is ‘new’ (the legal term is ‘novel’) if your invention has not been publically disclosed anywhere in the world. This criteria is relatively easily determined by conducting a search to see if the same invention has already been disclosed or used.

Deciding whether your invention is ‘inventive’ is generally more difficult. To be ‘inventive’, it must not be an obvious thing to do to someone with knowledge and experience in the technical area of the invention. Most substantive Patent office objections relate to this criteria, and this is where your Patent Attorney’s experience and skills are important to overcome such objections.

Halfords IP Attorneys have significant experience in obtaining Patents in Australia and overseas, and know the level of ‘inventiveness’ required to overcome these types of objections to get a Patent granted.

We are also happy to provide you with our ‘gut feeling’ on whether or not we think your invention may be patentable before you start the patenting process. This will assist you in making a decision as to whether or not you want to proceed.

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Keeping an eye on your budget

We understand that, whilst individual inventors need the same services as established businesses, they may have quite constrained budgets, at least at the outset.

Halfords IP Attorneys can formulate patenting strategies which establish protection for your invention with minimal cost outlays at the outset, and which defer costs for as long as possible while you seek commercial backing for your invention.

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