About The Institute Why is the Institute needed? What does The Institute do? Why should I join? How do I join? What are the grades of membership? Why is the Institute needed? Each year approximately 20,000 patents are applied for by UK residents. About 20% of these applications are by individuals, rather than companies or academic institutions. With the success rate of getting patented ideas to the market being only 2%, the inventor needs all the assistance available. The Institute of Patentees and Inventors is a non-profit making association of over 1,000 members who pay an annual subscription. It offers its members advice and guidance on all aspects of inventing from idea conception to innovation and development. What does the Institute do? The Institute has among its membership not only inventors but patent attorneys, marketeers and others who can provide expert advice to its membership on the complex issues relating to invention and innovation. These issues cover not only intellectual property rights but also topics as diverse as originality searching, manufacturing practices, pricing practices, presentation techniques, funding and other subjects relating to the exploitation of an invention. A Journal titled 'Future and the Inventor' is also produced and issued to members several times per annum. The Journal contains information pertinent to inventors and details the forthcoming activities of the Institute. Special arrangements have been made with publishers to give members discounts on various books that more fully explain the complex subject of intellectual property rights and their exploitation. The Institute attends exhibitions and trade shows throughout the year. At these, staff and members are able to talk to people who are interested in the inventing process and inventions. The Institute holds Members' Meetings at which invited speakers talk on various subjects relating to the invention and innovation process. Visits to places of interest for members are also arranged when appropriate. The Institute is constantly campaigning on behalf of its members and inventors in general. It is recognised nationally and internationally as an advocate for the invention process and the fair treatment of inventors. The Institute is regularly approached by the media for interesting stories. Through these approaches, many Institute members have been the subject of media coverage. Officers of the Institute also regularly broadcast on national media on the subject of invention and the needs of the individual inventor. Why should I join? The process of developing an idea into a product that is successful in the marketplace is difficult, frustrating and complex. The Institute's membership is made up of people who have embarked on this process, have helped others through the complex issues or are interested in the development of new ideas into new products. Our members are pleased to help other inventors and share with them some of the 'tricks of the trade' they have discovered or developed. Also the Institute is pleased to advise its members on various invention issues or to direct them to the most appropriate and valid source of advice. How do I join? Complete the Membership Application Form and send it with your remittance to the address shown. After your membership application has been processed and if you are accepted, you will receive: The exclusive IPI document "Protecting Your Idea" The latest copy of the Institute's Newsletter A free copy of the book "A Bit of an Idea" by Derek Myhill. Other relevant documentation to aid invention development. What are the grades of membership? All new members join the Institute at either Associate Member or Company Member grade. After twelve month's membership, an individual may apply to be considered for transfer to a different grade. ASSOCIATE AMInstPI COMPANY All new individual members join at this grade. An applicant need not be an inventor or hold a patent. Any company, partnership or organisation that employs more than one person. The cost of subscription for this grade is dependent on the number of employees. TRANSFER GRADES STUDENT AMInstPI An individual who is in full time education at a recognised UK educational establishment may transfer to this grade which offers a reduced subscription fee. PENSIONER AMInstPI An individual who is receiving a state pension, is no longer in active employment and has been a fully paid member of the Institute for at least one calendar year will be eligible to apply for transfer to Pensioner grade of membership grade which offers a reduced subscription fee. The grade of Pensioner will not be granted without application and will apply from 1 January following the date of successful application. This concession is not available to individuals of Student or Fellow grades. MEMBER MInstPI Applications for transfer to this grade will be considered from patent holders or those whom the Council of the Institute of Patentees and Inventors considers to be of equivalent status. FELLOW FInstPI An applicant for transfer to this grade will have been a Member for at least 5 years. Fellowship of the Institute is available on application and successful consideration thereof. Details of the Fellowship requirements may be obtained from the Institute. HONORARY GRADES HONORARY HonMInstPI A person who is given honorary membership of the Institute. This honour is bestowed by the Council of the Institute of Patentees and Inventors HONORARY FELLOW HonFInstPI Up to six Honorary Fellows may hold office at any one time. Honorary Fellows are elected by Council in recognition of exceptional work in the field of invention and innovation.