The Patent Process

The process of obtaining a Patent can be complex and involved. In a simplified form, Patent protection can be obtained for any invention which is novel and inventive. In order to obtain a Patent, a Patent Application is filed in the relevant country in which Patent protection is desired. The Patent Office of the relevant country undertakes a search and examination of the Patent Application and, once the Application meets the legal requirements of the country and can be shown to be novel and inventive, a Patent is granted in respect of the Application. Patent protection lasts for 20 years and is maintained by the payment of annual renewal fees.

A more detailed summary of the Patent application process is provided under the following headings:
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