Patenterad

Patenterad is a Swedish term meaning patented. It is commonly used to indicate that an invention has been granted patent protection. The right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention generally belongs to the patent holder for a limited time and within a defined geographic area.

Legal basis and administration: Patent protection in Sweden is governed by the Patent Act and is administered by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV). Sweden participates in international frameworks such as the European Patent Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, allowing protection to be sought in multiple jurisdictions.

Duration and scope: Most patents have a term of 20 years from filing, subject to payment of maintenance fees and compliance with patent terms. Patent rights are typically exclusive and may be licensed, assigned, or restricted by law; there are also provisions for certain exemptions or compulsory licenses in specific circumstances.

Territorial nature and enforcement: Patents are territorial; protection applies only in the countries or regions where the patent is granted. Enforcement, validity challenges, and potential revocation are handled by the relevant national patent offices and courts.

Limitations and caveats: Seeing “patenterad” on a product does not guarantee it is free of infringement or that the patent is still active. Patents can be challenged during opposition, examination, or litigation and may be revoked, narrowed, or declared void if criteria are not met or if maintenance lapses.