A granted Patent gives the owner a monopoly to an invention and entitles the owner to prevent others from exploiting it. In most countries, Patents can last up to 20 years and they are available in all technological fields, from engineering to software and biotechnology.
Patents are registered rights. To obtain patent protection it is necessary to file an application with a detailed description of the invention and explain how it will work. Drafting a patent application requires considerable care and skill. This is where we can help.

Before a patent is granted the application must be first searched by the Patent Office to see what has already been published in the same field, it then goes through the stage of a full substantive examination of its merits.

It is worth pointing out that to get a patent granted, an invention must be new, that is, not previously published or sold and not an obvious development of what is already public ("inventive step"). It can be a product itself or a process or method for making the product and must be capable of being applied industrially.
New ideas in themselves are not patentable. You must be able to describe how the idea will be implemented in practice. There are several reasons why one should consider filing a patent application. The first, obvious reason is that a patent is usually the only way you can prevent a customer or competitor from copying your invention.
A patent also gives you a positive right you can licence. Many patents are licensed, so that the inventor can get a better return.

An other reason why an Inventor should seek patent protection is so that he/she would have a bargaining chip if someone else's patent is infringed. Licencing is a very complex issue and you should seek professional advice if you are interested in this particular issue.

You should also consider protecting your invention using patents if your intention is to sell your I.P. to a large corporation oe outside investor. Most large companies will not look at investing in an idea without a patent being in place first.

Contact us with full details if you wish to have more information on the subject or a more precise estimate. Your first consultation with us is free of charge.
We will be able to advise on what protection is available and the different options open to you.