Patent Registration

A patent is a legal protection granted by a government to an inventor for their invention. It gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, sell, or license the invention for a specific period (usually 20 years from the filing date).

In simple words: A patent prevents others from copying or using your invention without your permission.

Patents can be for:

·       Products (like a new gadget or machine)

·       Processes (like a new method of manufacturing something)

·       Compositions (like a new chemical formula or material)

•        Patent application form (Form 1 in some countries)
•        Provisional or complete specification (technical details of the invention)
•        Statement and undertaking (Form 3 – details of inventors)
•        Priority documents (if filing in multiple countries)
•        Power of attorney (if a patent agent/attorney is filing on your behalf)
•        Fee payment proof

Step 1: Check if Your Invention is Patentable

·         Ensure your invention is:

·         Novel – No one else has invented it before.

·         Non-obvious – Not an obvious idea for someone skilled in the field.

·         Useful/Industrially Applicable – Can be used in real life.

·         You can do a patent search in the patent database of your country to check if similar inventions exist.

Step 2: Draft Your Patent Application

A patent application includes:

·       Title of the invention

·       Abstract – Short summary of the invention

·       Description – Detailed explanation of how the invention works

·       Claims – Defines what is protected by the patent

·       Drawings/Diagrams – To illustrate the invention

·       Declaration/Inventor’s details

Tip: Hiring a patent attorney can help avoid mistakes in drafting claims.

Step 3: File Your Application

·         File at the Patent Office (online or offline).

·         Two types of applications:

·         Provisional Application – Temporary filing; secures priority date for 12 months.

·         Complete Application – Full detailed filing.

·         Pay the filing fee (varies by country and type of applicant: individual or company).

Step 4: Examination

·         Request examination after filing.

·         The patent office checks:

·         Novelty

·         Inventive step

·         Industrial applicability

·         They may raise objections, which you need to respond to.

Step 5: Publication

·         Application is published (usually 18 months after filing).

·         After publication, others can see your invention.

Step 6: Grant of Patent

·         If examination is successful, the patent is granted.

·         You receive a patent certificate.

·         Now you have exclusive rights for 20 years from the filing date.

•         Patents are territorial – valid only in the country they are registered.
•         Protection usually lasts 20 years from filing.
•         Provides legal rights, not necessarily the ability to manufacture immediately.

 

1. Legal Protection

·       Grants exclusive rights to the inventor.

·       Prevents others from making, using, selling, or copying the invention without permission.

2. Recognition as an Inventor

·       Establishes you as the original creator of the invention.

·       Provides official legal acknowledgment.

3. Commercial Advantages

·       You can license or sell the patent to earn royalties.

·       Can attract investors or partners for your invention or business.

4. Competitive Advantage

·       Patents block competitors from using your invention.

·       Strengthens your market position and brand reputation.

5. Encourages Innovation

·       Inventors are motivated to create new products or processes.

·       Patents protect investment in research and development.

6. Financial Benefits

·       Patents can be used as collateral for loans.

·       Can generate revenue through licensing, franchising, or selling the patent rights.

7. International Opportunities

·       Once patented, you can apply for international patents in other countries.

·       Expands the scope of your invention globally.

8. Legal Evidence in Disputes

·       Acts as proof of invention in case of disputes or infringement claims.

•       Check invention for novelty and patentability
•       Draft a patent application (title, description, claims, drawings).
•       File application with required documents and fee.
•       Request examination and respond to objections.
•       After approval, patent is granted; maintain it by paying renewal fees.