Patent protection is available by way of the re-registration of a granted UK or European (UK) patent which must occur within three years of the grant of the basic UK or European (UK) patent.

The novelty requirement is absolute (worldwide), although disclosures within the 12 months immediately preceding the filing date/earliest priority date which result from acts committed by the applicant or his predecessor in title, or acts which constitute an abuse by a third party, are discounted.