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Patent is a right given by a government to an inventor for his invention, only if the invention can pass certain novelty tests by the governing examining office. The right prevents others to make, use and sell the patented invention in the jurisdiction that the patent is given. Incentive to innovate: The government has created this right to promote research and development and inventions. Without such a right, there will not be any incentive to

Protecting products and processes Increasing turnover and profits Attracting investors Licensing Cross-licensing Blocking competitors Building reputation Identify and negotiate with a commercial partner for license or collaboration agreements Managing relationship with commercial partners What can be patented? 35 USC § 101 Whoever invents …any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, … Process or Method Machine or Apparatus Article of

National patent offices National patent valid only in the country where it is granted Non-residents can also apply for a patent One year of “priority” for subsequent applications European Patent Office A European patent is equivalent to national patents in the countries where it is granted (the applicant chooses the countries) Via the Patent Cooperation Treaty Just one application for up to 141 countries After the initial application phase, the international application leads to multiple