protecting the inventions: why a patent is important
TRANSCRIPT
In the United States, data security breaches happen every day in many places, making it
difficult to keep count. Upon identifying a hack, many companies notice that millions of
personal information was exposed. Worse, great business ideas disappear as well.
For those afraid of someone stealing their innovations or inventions, it is advisable to
get a patent for it. Stolen information is devastating, as the aftermath can hugely affect
how a company operates and earns a profit.
Legal professionals explain that a patent is a monopoly right given to a person who has
created something unique and useful. For instance, a new medication to treat migraine
or a new software to improve employee productivity. To fully understand a patent, every
company owner should pay close attention to the benefits of patenting business ideas.
Exclusive Rights
A patent provides exclusive rights,
which will allow start-ups, big
corporations and medium-sized
enterprises to use their original
invention for 20 years from the
date of filing the application.
According to the law, however,
patents are subject to periodic
fees.
Stable Market Position
Another great thing about patenting an
invention is having a strong market
position. By getting exclusive rights,
company owners can prevent others
from using the patented idea. As a
result, business owners can reduce
competition and build a trust in the
market.
Strong Reputation
Developing an effective patent strategy
is important to earn the loyalty of
investors, shareholders and business
partners. Patents reveal high level of
specialisation, expertise and tech
capacity within the company.
A creative idea must meet certain
criteria for patentability. It should be
new, capable of industrial application
and obtained because of the activity of
invention.
Just because the rapid technological
advancements make it easier and simpler
to invent anything, it does not mean that
ideas are less worthy of protection.
Someone who stole an idea without
paying might only think about it as
“sampling,” but the tech company from
whom it was taken could call it “theft.”
Resources:
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/
mpep/s2701.html
http://www.haldanes.com/
http://www.inc.com/john-rampton/12-
tips-to-dealing-with-patent-trolls.html