What is a patent and how to register it ?

A patent is a legal right granted by a government to an inventor, giving them exclusive rights to make, use, and sell their invention for a certain period of time. This period of time is typically 20 years from the date of filing, although in some cases it can be extended.

Patents serve several important functions in society. First and foremost, they provide incentives for innovation by allowing inventors to profit from their creations. Without the ability to patent an invention, it would be difficult for inventors to recoup the costs of their research and development, and thus, less innovation would occur.

Additionally, patents can also promote the dissemination of new technology by requiring that the patent holder share the details of their invention with the public. This allows others to build upon and improve the invention, leading to further technological advancement.

However, patents also have their drawbacks. One major concern is that they can be used to stifle competition by allowing large companies to control entire markets through the use of patents. Additionally, the cost of obtaining and enforcing patents can be prohibitively expensive for small inventors and startups.

Patent troll is another concern. They are a non-practicing entity that purchases groups of patents without any intention of creating or selling a product, instead using the patents to demand licensing fees from other companies.

Overall, patents play an important role in promoting innovation and technological advancement, but it is important to strike a balance between providing incentives for inventors and ensuring that competition is not stifled.

In conclusion, Patents are a legal way to protect the invention and give the inventor a monopoly to sell, use and make the invention in the market. They are also a way to encourage innovation by providing financial incentives to inventors. However, it’s important that the balance is maintained by not stifling competition and keeping the cost of obtaining and enforcing patents affordable for small inventors and startups.

To register a patent, you will need to follow these general steps:

1. Conduct a patent search: Before applying for a patent, it is important to conduct a thorough search of existing patents to ensure that your invention is unique and not already patented.
2. Prepare and file a patent application: You will need to prepare and file a patent application with the appropriate government agency, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the United States. The application should include a detailed description of the invention, as well as any drawings or diagrams that will help to explain it.
3. Pay the required fee: There is a fee associated with filing a patent application. The fee varies depending on the type of application and the country in which you are filing.
4. Wait for the patent to be granted: Once your application has been filed, you will need to wait for the patent office to review and approve it. This process can take several months or even years.
5. Maintain the patent: Once your patent has been granted, you will need to pay maintenance fees to keep it in force. If you fail to pay these fees, your patent will expire.

Note that the process of obtaining a patent is complex and can take a long time, it’s advisable to consult with a patent attorney or agent to help you navigate through the process.

My Legal Pal is a team of attorneys proficient in legal drafting and experienced in Intellectual Property Laws. For your Intellectual Property such as Patent, contact us and we will help you out from the preliminary search till the registration of it.