PATENTS Background; The Patent Specification; Filing a Patent Application; Ownership of Patents; Foreign Applications; European Patents; Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT); The Paris Convention; First Publication; The Granted Patent; Product Marking; Summary of Stages of Progress of typical British Patent Application.
	Product Marking In many countries there are likely to be limitations on damages awarded to the patentee in an infringement action unless the products themselves, and/or literature associated with the product, mentions the fact that the product is patented, and quotes the patent number. It is recommended therefore that products are marked with the appropriate patent numbers. If the product itself is not susceptible to having these details printed on it, then the literature and/or packaging associated with the product should be marked. If the patent is not yet granted, care should be taken not to state or imply that it is granted, but there is no objection to quoting the patent application number, provided it is made clear that the number being quoted is an application number, and not a patent number. For patents in chemistry, metallurgy, biochemistry and biotechnology, contact Stephen Wilkinson in our Bristol office. For patents in physics, electrical engineering, general engineering and computing, contact Chris Boydell or Sarah Perkins in our London office or David Marles in our Bristol office.