Patents
If you have a new invention that solves a specific problem in any field of technology or industry, and you wish to impede your competitors or any other people from exploiting your hard work, then it is prudent to have your invention patented.
In short, patent provides you with a set of exclusive rights to exclude others from manufacturing, using, selling, or distributing your new invention without your permission for a period of time. Hence, it can be said that you are the sole person permitted to exploit your new invention.
We at Author Intellectual Property are able to assist you in every aspect of patent, from advising you on the patentability of your invention to patent drafting, from filing new patent applications locally and internationally to renewal of your patent, and beyond.
With years of accumulated experience in patent and technical knowledge that cut across all sort of technologies and industries, we believe that we have the aptitude to properly protect your invention.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any query. We will be pleased to assist you.
What is a patent?
A patent is an exclusive right granted to an inventor for a new invention, which can be a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something or solves a specific technical problem in any field of technology.
What are the criteria for getting a patent granted?
Certain criteria must be met before a patent can be granted, which are as follows:
-
Novel - The invention must be new and not used or disclosed before anywhere in the world.
-
Involves an inventive step - The invention must NOT be obvious to a person skilled in the same industry and field.
-
Industrially aplicable - The invention can be made or used in the relevant industry.
What cannot be patented?
Certain inventions cannot be protected, which are as follows:
-
Discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods.
-
Plant or animal varieties or essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals (except for man-made living microorganisms, microbiological processes and the products thereof).
-
Schemes, rules or methods for doing business, performing purely mental acts or playing games.
-
Methods for the treatment of human or animal body by surgery or therapy, and diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body (except for the products used in any such methods).
What is the protection duration of a patent?
The protection duration of a patent is 20 years from the date of filing of patent application.
What are the rights of a patent owner?
Generally, a patent owner will have the exclusive rights to exploit the patented invention, particularly to make, import, offer for sale, sell, or use the patented invention. Furthermore, the owner also has the rights to assign the patent and to conclude license contracts with any other party.
How to protect your invention in other countries?
Patent protection is territorial. In other words, you will have to file a new patent application, claiming priority from your initial patent application, in each country that you wish to extend the protection to. This foreign patent application must be filed within twelve months from the date of filing of your initial patent application.