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ARTICLE · 09 MARCH 2026

Obtaining A Patent: What Makes An Invention Patentable?

Securing a patent for an invention can be a complex process, but success fundamentally depends on being able to demonstrate that your innovation meets three criteria: novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Murgitroyd & Company
Murgitroyd & Company
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Securing a patent for an invention can be a complex process, but success fundamentally depends on being able to demonstrate that your innovation meets three criteria: novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability.

To maximise your chances of being granted a patent, innovators need to know precisely what these requirements entail and how to appropriately demonstrate them.

What are the three key criteria for securing a patent?

To secure a patent, you must be able to demonstrate that your invention is novel, inventive and industrially applicable. This may sound straightforward, but legal definitions are strict. Failing to meet one of these criteria can lead to a rejected application.

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