An invention is a technical solution in any field of technology that may be granted patent protection if it meets the patentability criteria: novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
An invention may be a product, such as a device, substance or composition, a method, or a new use of a known product or method.
Patent protection is granted after examination of the application and subject to compliance with the requirements of the applicable law.
Inventions may cover different types of technical solutions depending on their nature and field of application.
- Devices and technical systems
- Methods and processes
- Chemical substances and compositions
- Biotechnological solutions
- New uses of known products or methods
Patent Search
A patent search is conducted to identify prior art, preliminarily assess patentability and determine the possible scope of legal protection.
Filing of the Application
The application includes a description, claims, drawings (if necessary) and an abstract.
Formal Examination
The patent office checks completeness of documents and compliance with formal requirements.
Substantive Examination
The invention is examined for novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
Grant of the Patent
After a decision to grant the patent and payment of the applicable fees, the information is published and the patent enters into force in accordance with the law of the relevant country or regional system.
The choice between an invention patent and a utility model depends on the technical complexity of the solution, the desired timing and the commercial strategy.
Choose an Invention Patent
Where the solution is technically complex, has a high inventive level and requires long-term, robust legal protection based on substantive examination.
Choose a Utility Model
Where the solution is practical and device-related, and faster protection is more important than depth of examination.
Use a Combined Strategy
In some cases, both routes may be used together to obtain early protection while pursuing stronger patent protection in parallel.
Important: Utility models are usually faster and easier to obtain, while invention patents generally provide greater stability in the event of possible challenges.
Many risks in patent protection arise before the application is even filed. Early mistakes may significantly reduce the chances of obtaining a patent or weaken the scope of legal protection.
Public Disclosure Before Filing
Publishing or presenting the invention before filing may destroy novelty and make patent protection impossible in many jurisdictions.
Incorrectly Drafted Claims
Weak or excessively narrow claims may limit the scope of legal protection and reduce the commercial value of the patent.
No Preliminary Patent Search
Filing an application without understanding the prior art may lead to refusal or unnecessary costs.
Incorrect Patent Filing Strategy
An incorrect combination of national, regional or international routes may increase costs and reduce flexibility.
Delayed Filing
Waiting too long before filing may lead to loss of priority or missed commercial opportunities.
Ignoring Commercial Strategy
Filing without considering markets, licensing or enforcement may result in protection that is legally valid but commercially ineffective.
Important: Patent protection should always be aligned with both technical characteristics of the invention and the intended business strategy.
