Brevetat

Brevetat is a term used in certain Romance languages to denote that an invention, process, or design has been granted a patent. The word stems from brevet, meaning patent, with the suffix -at forming a past participle in some languages. In practice, brevetat describes the legal status conferred by a patent and the associated exclusive rights.

A brevetat gives the holder the right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented subject matter without permission in the jurisdiction that issued the patent. Patent rights are typically limited in time to encourage innovation; in most countries the term is around 20 years from the filing date, subject to timely maintenance fees and compliance with formal requirements.

To obtain brevetat status, an applicant must file a patent application, disclose the invention, and demonstrate that it is novel, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application. The application undergoes examination by a patent office, which may publish it and invite third-party comments. If granted, the patent is usually evidenced by a patent certificate or grant document. Maintenance fees and periodic renewals are often required to keep the protection in force; infringement, challenges to validity, or expiration can affect its status.

Globally, patent rights are governed by national laws and international frameworks such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty and the TRIPS Agreement, with regional offices (for example, the European Patent Office) facilitating protection across multiple jurisdictions. While brevetat protects innovators, it is balanced by public interest considerations and exceptions to patent rights.