What is a patent? Why is it useful?

PATENT CONCEPT

According to the RAE, the word patent comes from the Latin word patens which means to be exposed or to be evident. In current terms, it refers to the rights granted to an inventor over a new product, technology, or improvements in the manufacture or use of a pre-existing invention.

PATENT UTILITY

The patent registration system takes into account the utility for inventors and the general public of the recipient country. When a patent is granted, the invention is protected and can not be used without the authorization of the patent owner. Nevertheless, can be applied and disclosed in the country or region with permission.

The dissemination and exploitation of the technical basis of an invention promote innovation and development. The transfer of the technology from a patent accelerates the investigation of new or improved products and processes. In addition, the economic royalties granted to the patent owners incentivize the continuous development of inventions (WIPO).

WHAT CAN BE PROTECTED BY A PATENT?

Patents can be applied to all types of processes, products, and technologies. They are not only useful for complex elements manufactured in large companies. Rather, commonly used products such as fabrics, bottles, paper towels, etc. can be protected by a patent.

Interested in the filling process for an international patent? See our next blog here.

Author: K. Salazar Díaz (Ph.D. in Biochemistry)