How to Protect Your Invention Without the Cost of a Patent
Patents cost £15,000 or more and take years to obtain. But you can protect your invention right now with blockchain timestamps that create court-ready proof of your idea — from just £10, in minutes.
Key Takeaway
You do not need a patent to protect an invention. Blockchain timestamps combined with trade secret law give you court-admissible proof of when you created your invention — without disclosing it publicly, without waiting years, and at a fraction of the cost.
In This Guide
1. Why Inventors Skip Patents
Most inventors never file a patent. The reason is simple: cost. Filing, prosecuting, and maintaining a patent in the UK alone can exceed £15,000. Extend to the US and Europe and you are looking at £50,000 or more.
For individual inventors, startups, and small businesses, that budget simply does not exist — especially at the early stage when your invention needs protection the most.
The Numbers
The good news: patents are not the only way to protect an invention. In many cases, they are not even the best way.
2. The Real Cost of a Patent
Before looking at alternatives, it helps to understand what patents actually cost — and what you give up in the process.
Patent Cost Breakdown (UK)
Hidden Trade-Offs of Patents
- Full disclosure: Your invention is published for the world to see, including competitors
- Geographic limits: A UK patent does not protect you in the US, China, or elsewhere
- Expiration: After 20 years, anyone can freely use your invention
- Enforcement cost: Suing an infringer can cost £100,000+ — the patent itself does nothing without litigation
3. How to Protect an Invention Without a Patent
There are several proven methods to protect your invention without the cost of a patent. Each has strengths depending on your situation.
Blockchain Timestamps (Best Option)
Creates permanent, immutable proof that your invention existed at a specific date and time. Your documents stay private while the proof is publicly verifiable on the blockchain.
Trade Secret Protection
Keep your invention confidential and document reasonable security measures. Trade secrets have no filing cost, no expiry, and no geographic limits. They last as long as you keep the secret.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Use NDAs before sharing your invention with potential partners, investors, or manufacturers. This establishes a legal obligation of confidentiality and supports trade secret claims.
Defensive Publication
Publicly document your invention to create prior art. This prevents anyone else from patenting it. You lose secrecy but gain freedom to operate without worrying about competitor patents.
4. Blockchain Timestamps: The Smartest Alternative
Of all the methods available, blockchain timestamps offer the best combination of strength, speed, and cost. Here is how they work:
How It Works
- Upload your invention description: Technical documents, designs, diagrams, lab notebooks, prototypes — any file that describes your invention.
- A unique fingerprint is created: A cryptographic hash of your exact file. Even a single-character change would produce a completely different hash.
- The hash is recorded on the blockchain: Your content stays private. Only the mathematical fingerprint and timestamp are stored on the public ledger.
- You receive a certificate: Court-ready documentation proving your invention existed at that exact date and time, independently verifiable by anyone.
Why This Is Better Than a Patent (for Most Inventors)
"The combination of blockchain timestamps and trade secret protection often gives inventors stronger practical protection than a patent — at a tiny fraction of the cost."
5. Legal Standing Without a Patent
A common concern is whether protection without a patent holds up legally. The answer is yes — multiple legal frameworks support this approach.
Trade Secret Law
- UK: Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018
- EU: Trade Secrets Directive 2016/943
- US: Defend Trade Secrets Act 2016
Blockchain Evidence in Court
- UK Civil Evidence Act 1995 accepts electronic records as evidence
- EU eIDAS Regulation recognises electronic timestamps
- Chinese courts have accepted blockchain evidence since 2018
- Multiple US states have passed blockchain evidence legislation
What Courts Value in Evidence
Independence: Evidence from systems neither party controls (blockchain is decentralised)
Integrity: Proof that evidence has not been altered (cryptographic hashing)
Contemporaneity: Created at the time of the event (immutable timestamps)
Blockchain timestamps satisfy all three criteria — often more convincingly than traditional methods like notarisation or registered post.
6. Who Should Use This Approach?
Independent Inventors
Working on an invention without a corporate budget. Blockchain timestamps let you prove your idea existed before you share it with anyone — investors, manufacturers, or potential partners.
Startups and Small Businesses
Need to protect innovations but cannot justify patent budgets. Document everything during development, creating an evidence trail you can rely on if disputes arise later.
Researchers and Academics
Protecting discoveries before publication or collaboration. Timestamps prove when you made a breakthrough, supporting priority claims and IP ownership discussions with your institution.
Anyone Considering a Patent Later
Not ready to commit to patent costs yet? Timestamp your invention now. If you decide to file a patent later, your blockchain record proves your priority date. You lose nothing by starting with timestamps.
7. Get Started in 10 Minutes
Protecting your invention without patent cost is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your idea today:
Write a Detailed Description
Document your invention thoroughly: what it does, how it works, what makes it unique. Include diagrams, technical specifications, and development notes.
Timestamp It on the Blockchain
Upload your files to immut. A cryptographic hash is created and permanently recorded on the blockchain. Your content stays private; only the proof is public.
Implement Confidentiality Measures
Mark documents as confidential. Use NDAs before sharing with anyone. Restrict access on a need-to-know basis. This establishes trade secret status under law.
Keep Timestamping as You Develop
Each improvement, iteration, or new version should be timestamped. This builds a documented development history that strengthens your position in any dispute.
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Protect Your Invention Today — No Patent Required
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About immut: immut provides blockchain-based intellectual property protection as an affordable alternative to patents. Our platform creates permanent, court-ready proof of creation in seconds — starting from just £10. Learn more at immut.io.