What is a patent? Part 2

By John Rule.

In order to be patentable an invention must be:

• novel, the invention must not be already known to the public before the date a patent is applied for;
• inventive, the invention must not be an obvious modification of what is already known; and
• capable of industrial application, that is, the invention can be made or used in any kind of industry.

What is a patent? Part 1

By John Rule.

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.