Patent rights give an inventor the exclusive right to commercially exploit an invention for up to 20 years (25 years for pharmaceutical inventions). This applies only in the countries where the patent is registered.
What can be patented?
An invention must be a technical solution to a technical problem. It must be industrially applicable and reproducible. Discoveries cannot be patented.
Novelty requirements
- The invention must be new and not published or known before the patent application is submitted.
- It is important not to disclose the invention publicly before submitting the application. From the filing date, the application will be made public after 18 months unless it is withdrawn.
- During this period, you may amend the application to improve your chances of obtaining a patent (for example, by narrowing or clarifying the claims).
Requirements for inventive step
The invention must differ significantly from existing technology and represent a clear advancement. The step must be substantial, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
What does exclusive patent right mean?
The patent holder has the right to prevent others from producing, selling, or using the invention without permission. In some cases, compulsory licensing may apply, but only in return for compensation.
Non-economic rights in patent law
These rights protect the inventor’s personal connection to their invention and are separate from commercial rights.
Right to be credited
The inventor has the right to be named in the patent application. This right applies even if the commercial rights have been transferred to someone else.
Non-waivable rights
Non-economic rights cannot be transferred or waived by agreement. These rights are intended to protect the inventor’s personal link to their creative work.
Read more about the patent application process or copyright
