Do I need patent protection?

If you have an invention, for example a new product or process, you may be able to protect it by filing for a patent.

Why should I apply for a patent?

A granted patent will give you exclusive rights over your invention and you will be able to take legal action against anyone who uses it without your permission.

To get patent protection your invention must be:

• new, not known anywhere in the world prior to filing
• have an inventive step, not obvious or a simple adaptation or combination of existing products
• be capable of industrial application, having a technical effect

If your invention meets these requirements, you may be able to apply for protection.

What happens if I do not apply?

If you do not apply to protect your invention, it will allow anyone to use it without your permission. You may be able to protect your invention by keeping it a secret but this will only be possible if it would be difficult to copy the process, construction or formulation from your product itself.