If you have invented a product or process, you don’t want anyone to take it away from you. With a granted patent, you have the right to stop others from copying or manufacturing your invention without your permission. The only way they can use your product or process is with your permission granted on the basis of a licence agreement that provides you with royalties.
So, does your idea meet the requirements for a patent?
- In order to be patentable, your invention must meet prescribed legal criteria. These are:
- It must be new
- This means that the idea must not have been made available to the public before the date of filing a patent application, by you or anyone else, anywhere.
- It must be inventive
- This means that it must not be an obvious step to someone who has knowledge of the subject area/technology concerned.
- It must be capable of industrial application
- This means that it must be able to be made or used in some kind of industry.
- It must not fall within the list of exempted categories
- For example, an invention that consist of a method of medical treatment or diagnosis, or an invention that is against public policy or morality.
If you require advice on whether your idea or invention will meet these criteria, please call us on 01522 801111. We are here to protect your innovation.