PROTECT YOUR INVENTION
Discover why you need to protect your invention and how to do it.
What is an Invention?
An invention is a unique or novel device, method, composition or process. The invention process is a process within an overall engineering and product development process. It may be an improvement upon a machine or product or a new process for creating an object or a result. An invention that achieves a completely unique function or result may be a radical breakthrough. Such works are novel and not obvious to others skilled in the same field.
What makes an invention patentable?
An invention that meets the conditions set by the law can be patented. A legally registered patent protects the patent owner from illegal use by others as part of intellectual property law. In order for an invention to be eligible for patent registration, it must meet a number of conditions, including:
- Novelty: Has not yet appeared in public (including online publications or other media)
- Useful: Must have a particular benefit
- Must be inventive
Must have a technological or industrial purpose.
Does public disclosure of an invention jeopardize the right to patent protection?
YES! As a general rule, any public or third-party disclosure of your company's inventions or technology prior to filing a patent application can jeopardize your patent rights.
What is public disclosure of an invention?
Public disclosure is any non-confidential communication which an inventor or invention owner makes available to one or more members of the public, revealing the existence of the invention and enabling an appropriately experienced individual ("person having ordinary skill in the art") to reproduce the invention.
Public disclosure may include publications, lectures, abstracts, symposiums, posters, etc.
How important is avoiding public disclosure to potentially patentable information?
IMPORTANT: After an innovation becomes public, it may no longer be eligible for patent protection. Therefore, it is critical to avoid public disclosure before filing a patent application, where possible.
TO HELP AVOID FUTURE COMPLICATIONS AND DISAPPOINTMENT, WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO CONTACT US SO WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR INVENTION AND REVIEW ITS PATENTABILITY.
How can I improve my chance of obtaining a patent?
You can significantly improve your chance of obtaining a patent by keeping detailed written records of experiments. This increases the probability that research results can be patented, and will withstand challenges over the long term.