FAQ's - Patents

1. WHAT IS A PATENT?

2. ARE ALL INVENTIONS PATENTABLE?

WHAT IS THE PROPER SUBJECT MATTER OF A PATENT?
WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT OF NOVELTY?
WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT OF UTILITY?
WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT OF UNOBVIOUSNESS?


3. WHAT IS A PATENT SEARCH?

4. HOW CAN I APPLY FOR PATENT PROTECTION?

5. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY INVENTION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES?

6. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PHRASE PROSECUTION OF APPLICATIONS?

7. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PATENT ISSUED?

8. HOW LONG DOES PATENT PROTECTION LAST?

9. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO MAINTAIN MY PATENT?

10. HOW CAN I EXPLOIT MY PATENT/INVENTION?

11. HOW IMPORTANT IS CONFIDENTIALITY TO OBTAINING PATENT PROTECTION?

12. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I COME IN FOR MY INITIAL INTERVIEW?

13. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?