What is a patent ?

A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor or his assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for a disclosure of an invention. The term patent refers to a right granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.

The patent protects and covers how things work, ie., what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made. It gives the owner the right to prevent others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission.

To be patentable, the invention must be :

* new
* It must be kept confidential- must have an inventive step that is not obvious to someone with knowledge and experience in the subject
* capable of being made or used in some kind of industry

The invention should not be:

* a scientific or mathematical discovery, theory or method
* a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work
* a way of performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business
* the presentation of information, or some computer programs
* an animal or plant variety
* a method of medical treatment or diagnosis
* against public policy or morality.

If anyone’s invention meets the above requirements he/she may consider applying for a patent.

But, granting a patent application can take up to several years. If anyone has a granted patent, he/she must renew it every year after the 5th year for up to 20 years protection.

If anyone does not patent his/her invention, others can make use or sell the invention without the owners permission. The owner of the invention should attempt to keep the invention secret, but this may not be possible for a product where the technology is on display.