Patents

A patent is a form of intellectual property that grants exclusive rights to an inventor for a limited period in exchange for disclosure of the invention. It typically prohibits others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention without permission. Patents are designed to encourage innovation by providing temporary market exclusivity in return for public disclosure.

There are several types of patents: utility patents cover new or improved processes, machines, compositions, or methods; design patents cover the ornamental design of a functional item; plant patents cover new varieties of plants. To be patentable, an invention generally must be novel, non-obvious, and useful, and it must be adequately disclosed so others skilled in the field can reproduce it.

The patent process typically involves preparing and filing an application with a national or regional patent office, possibly with professional help; an examination phase assesses novelty and inventive step, after which a grant may be issued. Applicants may respond to office actions, publish the application, and seek protection in other jurisdictions, often through international routes such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Rights conferred are usually enforceable only within the country or region that issued the patent, although international treaties enable protection in multiple jurisdictions. Utility patents generally last around 20 years from filing, while design patents have a shorter term. Patents can be limited by exemptions, licensing, compulsory licenses in certain sectors, and requirements for maintenance fees.

Patents can affect innovation, competition, and access to technology. They are most prominent in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and software. Critics argue they can create barriers to entry or enable evergreening; supporters contend they reward invention and fund research. The global landscape includes multiple national laws and international frameworks that govern patentability and enforcement.