Intellectual Property

2. Patents

An invention - a new machine, product or process - can usually be protected with a patent. This allows you to stop others making, using or selling your invention for up to 20 years.

2.1 Is it an invention? It must be some kind of device, product or process which can be used in a practical activity (eg industry or agriculture).

• Innovations such as decorative designs cannot be patented, but can get design protection or copyright (see 4 and 5).

2.2 Is it new and not obvious?

• You cannot patent something which is already publicly disclosed (eg by sale or demonstration) or which would be obvious to someone who is well informed and experienced in that area.
• Prior to applying for a patent, only provide other people with information about your invention in strict confidence.
• Your invention must not be a 'trivial' variation. Does it provide a clear advantage over what is already known?