Introduction to Patent

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. To get a patent, technical information about the invention must be disclosed in a patent application.

A patent protects your invention in the country where the patent is registered. It is important to register the patent in all jurisdictions where you want to use or sell your invention.

What you can patent

• You can use a patent to protect your invention. It gives you the right to take legal action against anyone who makes, uses, sells or imports the invention or something similar, without your permission.
• To be granted a patent, your invention must be all of the following:
  • Something that can be made or used.
  • New
  • Inventive - not just a simple modification to something that already exists.
• Our legal department has the expertise to advise you and guide you to successfully register a patent for your invention.

What you cannot patent

You cannot patent certain types of invention, including:

• Literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works
• A way of doing business, playing a game or thinking
• A method of medical treatment or diagnosis
• A discovery, scientific theory, or mathematical method
• The way information is presented
• Some computer programs or mobile apps
• ‘Essentially Biological’ processes like crossing-breeding plants, and plant or animal varieties