It is quite imperative for inventors and companies that bring out new products to be able to protect their inventions. This is why they need the services of patent firms that specialize in providing patent and application protection as it helps them in protecting their intellectual property from pilferage.

The patent process is generally very long. During this period, the application generally travels back and forth between the applicant and the patent examiner until both sides agree as to which part of the invention is worthy of a patent. The patent process generally involves filing a patent application and undergoing examination at the patent office. If examination is successful, a patent is granted and is enforceable for a limited term thereafter.

It is possible even to patent novel concepts provided the novel concept is able to prove itself to be quite new and adds to the body of knowledge that existed earlier. This is true even in the case of aspects that seem as trivial or marginal like improvements on video games and the like. There are also possibilities of going in for provisional patent applications where the inventor does not go in for a full patent. There are some advantages in filing such partial patents where the protection or security is more than in the case of the disclosure document. The advantage of patents is that these bring about a great deal of fame and also financial gain to inventors.

When it comes to filing a patent application for designs, one needs formal drawings that need to be up for scrutiny by the patent deciding authority. There are quite a few draftsmen who are experienced and well trained in preparing these design drawings which present the aesthetic aspects of the drawing even though this has to be within one year of the conception of the idea. These patents generally last for a period of at least 14 years.

There are some utility patents which are also granted for components and computer parts, machines and medicines which could also come in the form of provisional utility patent application which is no exactly in the scope at this level. These patents are valid for machines and new processes, but these are not the same as design patents which are valid for manufactured articles.

Manufacturers have high stakes in patents, because they sink in large amounts of money in research and development, which needs to be protected. On the one hand, monopoly has to be limited, but if it leads to innovation, it would be beneficial to consumers. This is where 17 years of monopoly power through patents are a kind of compromise formula. Inventions that come earlier to the current one are known as ‘prior art’ and if you want your invention to be patented, you have to prove that it is a definite improvement over the prior art.

Juliet D’Anjer understands the patent process, as one of her favorite travel accessories, the drink holder went through it.

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: Law

Print This Post Print This Post

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!