Applying for a patent of addition


The conditions for applying for a patent of addition are outlined below.

What are the requirements?

There are four key requirements to be met when applying for a patent or patents of addition:

1. A patent of addition cannot be an innovation patent and cannot have an innovation patent as a parent.

2. A patent of addition cannot exist on its own, so the following conditions apply

  • We will not examine an application for a patent of addition unless you have asked us to examine the parent application. We will not accept an application for a patent of addition unless the parent application has been accepted.
  • A patent of addition cannot be granted until the parent patent has been granted.
  • A patent of addition will not be accepted or granted if the parent patent has ceased. A patent can cease if you fail to renew the parent or if the parent reaches the end of its 20 year term.

3. The complete specification of an application for a patent of addition must be filed on or after the date on which the parent complete application was filed.

4. You should use our Patent Request: Standard Patent/Patent of Addition form. You must indicate at [61] the patent or application number of the parent.

Get professional advice

Patent matters can involve complex legal issues and it may be in your best interests to consult a patent attorney, solicitor experienced in IP or your business adviser for specific assistance and advice.

More information


Last Updated: 16/8/2011