A Patent is an exclusive right that government gives to claim your inventions and to prevent anyone else from using them. More specifically, it is a legal document or a license giving the patent owner special and sole rights to excluding others from making, using, or selling an invention for a certain period.
What can I Patent?
Patents apply to inventions. An invention is eligible for patent protection if it is:
1. New – first in the world.
2. Useful – functional and operative.
3. Inventive – showing ingenuity and not obvious to someone of average skill who works in the field of your invention.
For further information, please visit Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
A patent can be issued for a product, a composition, a machine, a process, or an improvement to any of these.
What cannot be patented?
One of the main concerns about patenting is that it is not possible to patent ideas. One must wonder that any invention starts with an idea, then why can we not protect it. There is a different way of patenting ideas which is basically a translation of your ideas, for instance, putting them in writing or using drawings to depict the process of your idea.
Patent protection only applies to the country in which the patent owner registers their invention . Generally, it lasts for 20 years from the day you file for it. The owner may permit to, or license, other parties to use the invention on mutually agreed terms. The owner may also sell the right to the invention to someone else, who will then become the new owner.
Why are Patents useful?
Patents protect innovations. It encourages innovators by granting recognition of creativity and the possibility of material reward for their inventions. It’s safe to say that patents are one of the most valuable investments for your business. It gives you the legal right to prevent others from stealing intangible assets that create the core of your business.
If it comes to your attention that someone else is using your patented creation, you have the right to sue them for damages in court. The rest depends on the court on how they pursue the matter.
Feel free to reach us out at Contact Us – 1stIP.com
