Patent
Patent
Patent protect new, useful, and non-obvious inventions, granting inventors exclusive rights to make, use, sell, or import their inventions for a limited period. In exchange, inventors must fully disclose their inventions to the public.
Patent Application Process
The process involves preparing detailed technical specifications, filing with the patent office, undergoing examination for patentability requirements, responding to office actions, and receiving grant upon successful completion.
Types of Patent
-
Utility Patent: Protect new processes, machines, compositions of matter, or improvements -
Design Patent: Protect ornamental designs of functional items
-
Plant Patent: Protect new varieties of plants that can be reproduced asexually
Patentability Requirements
-
Novelty: Must be new and not previously disclosed
-
Non-obviousness: Must not be obvious to someone skilled in the field
-
Utility: Must have a useful purpose
| Key Features | Benefits of Patent Protection |
|---|---|
| Duration: Typically 20 years from filing date for utility patents | Exclusive commercial rights for the patent term |
| Territorial Rights: Protection limited to countries where patents are granted | Ability to license technology to others |
| Disclosure Requirement: Full technical details must be published | Enhanced market position and competitive advantage |
| Examination Process: Rigorous review by patent offices | Potential for significant return on R&D investment |