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I disclosed my invention publicly. What now?
Working out how much damage was done, and what is still available.
The twelve-month period under section 31 may be available.
If the conditions are met, the application must be made by the true and first inventor or a person deriving title, not later than twelve months after the opening of the exhibition or the reading or publication of the paper. Since 2024 the period is claimed on Form 31 under rule 29A.
- Confirm the notification or the learned-society status in writing before relying on it.
- Work out the exact start date - the opening of the exhibition, not the day you demonstrated.
- File as soon as possible; do not use the full twelve months.
- Take advice on whether the same protection exists in other countries you care about.
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This is educational guidance, not personalised legal advice. It cannot see your documents, your dates or the prior art, and those are usually what decide the answer. Use it to understand the question, then take advice on your own facts.
Not sure whether this applies to your invention?
The honest answer usually needs someone to look at your actual disclosure, your timeline and the prior art. That is a conversation, not an article.