How much does British industry pay for patents and patent information?

Abstract

This report describes the results of a piece of research to evaluate the cost to U.K. industry and other organisations of the use of the patent system, and patent information. The report analyses this expenditure under a number of headings, primarily the official fees that must be paid to obtain patents; the fees paid to patent agents; the cost of patent information; the cost of patent information staff; the cost of patent litigation; and the cost of education in the field. The report concludes that expenditure by U.K. industry on patents and patent information is £1275 m plus or minus £470 m per annum, making it a significant industry in its own right. This figure also emphasises the relatively low cost of this form of insurance for British industry remembering the volume of world trade in patented goods.