What is a patent?
A patent is what gives you the ability to take legal action to try to stop others from copying, manufacturing, selling and importing your invention without your permission. A patent protects new inventions and covers how things work, what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made.
What can I do with it?
The patent also allows you to:
- Sell the invention and associated intellectual property rights
- License the invention to someone else, but retain ownership and certain rights in the IP
- Discuss the invention with others in order to set up a business based around the invention
Conditions
The invention must be new; have an inventive step that is not obvious to someone with knowledge and experience in the subject; and be capable of being made or used in industry.
The invention must not be a scientific or mathematical discovery, theory or method; a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work; a way of performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business; the presentation of information, or some computer programs; an animal or plant variety; a method of medical treatment or diagnosis against public policy or morality.
What are the timescales?
The application process usually takes 4-5 years.
Learn More:
In addition to patents, learn more about copyrights, designs, and trademarks. You can also take advantage of our wealth of information found through our intellectual property insights or contact us today with your questions!
