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What is a Patent? Part 1

A patent is a limited monopoly that is granted in return for the disclosure of technical information. A patent is an intellectual property right which is granted as a territorial right for a limited period.

Patent rights make it illegal for anyone except the owner or a third party with the owner’s permission to make, use, import or sell the invention in the country where the patent was granted.

A UK patent has a life of 20 years provided that the renewal fees are paid every year, and provides protection in the UK only.

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This news item may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not contain legal advice.