2. Basic tactics to protect your own
inventions and ideas
This template is formatted with a 1Once
you devise any methodology, concept or
invention for the business, there might
be chances that anyone else in the same
industry or another is using that
technique formulated by you. But, now
you can get your idea protected with the
help of patents. Patent is basically an
exclusive right granted for doing
something new. Also, you get the right to
stop others from using it without your
permission. However, you can give
permission to other parties for using the
invention on the mutually agreed terms
and conditions. You can also transfer
your rights to someone else who would
then become the new owner.
If you are not alone in this invention
then as per the law you need to apply
for patents as joint inventors. And, if
you are not involved in any invention
directly and apply for the patent then
criminal penalty may be filed on you
and the patent would also get
invalidated. If you have participated
only on financial terms, you cannot
be termed as joint inventor.
4. THE QUEST TO QUENCH
Are the patents
valid
internationally?
What is ‘license to
patent’?
Who grants
patent?
What is the
patents’ life
cycle?
Patents are the rights given for a particular territory in
which it has been filed and granted as per the laws of that
country.
It means that the owner of the patent can grant
permission to another organization or individual to use his
patented invention on the mutually agreed terms, in the
defined territory and for a specific tenure.
Patents are granted by the National or regional patent
office.
Patents’ life is generally 20 years and once it gets expired
the protection terminates. This way, anyone in the public
can use it and there would be no infringement of patent.
5. How much it
costs to get an
invention
patented?
How to obtain
the patents?
Is it required to
hire or consult
patent
attorney?
This cost varies significantly from one country to another and
even it is changed with the same country. So, it is
recommended to contact respective National or regional
patent office for getting complete details on fee structure.
For obtaining a patent, one has to file an application involving
the technicalities of the invention. It must meet all the legal
requirements; then it is examined for the novelty and
creativity. The whole process may take 2 or more years.
In general, the application can be filed by the applicant
without any kind of assistance from the patent agent or
attorney. However, based on the complexity of the
documents and the required legal skills sometimes it
becomes necessary to seek guidance from the agent.
Further, if your principal business place is outside the country
then it necessitates you to apply for the patents by an