Are there any mechanisms for delaying the patenting process to defer the costs?
Yes. Any of options (i), (ii) and (iii) mentioned in Q2 can be modified by using one or both of two established delaying procedures beforehand: (a) The “Priority” System The Priority system (otherwise known as the “Paris Convention” or “Convention” system) allows an applicant to file one or more basic patent or utility model applications, normally in the applicant’s home country, within a period of one year, before completing a final (composite) “Convention” application, which will claim the “Priority” of the earlier basic application(s). The applicant must file any desired “Convention” application(s) with the Patent Office(s) appropriate to the country or countries of interest (i.e. options (i), (ii) or (iii) in Q2 above for the United Kingdom) and must claim the “Priority” (Date) of the earlier basic application(s), within a one year period calculated from the date of filing of the earliest basic application which has not been expressly withdrawn or abandoned. Otherwise, the right to
