Patents: What Is A Patent?

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Patents
What is a patent?
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an
invention, which is a product or a process that
provides, in general, a new way of doing something,
or offers a new technical solution to a problem. To
get a patent, technical information about the invention
must be disclosed to the public in a patent
application.
What kind of protection does a patent offer?

Is a patent valid in every country?
How long does a patent last?
Read the full list of patent FAQs.
Weird and wonderful
Six out-of-the-ordinary patents you probably didn’t know existed.
Patent topics and issuesAll topics

Patents are not just abstract concepts; they play an invaluable, practical
role in everyday life. By rewarding ideas, patents encourage the
development of innovations and new technologies in every field.
(PHOTO: BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER)
Biotech and genes
To what extent are biotechnology processes and products patentable? How

do gene patents affect medical care and gene testing research and
development? Opinions are divided.
(PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/ZOKARA)
Computer programs
Software producers need protection against unauthorized copying in order
to recoup their investments, but using patents for this raises questions.
(PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/ADVENTTR)
Nanotechnology
While nanotechnology innovations appear generally suitable for patent
protection, certain issues require further consideration.
Patent law and treaties
The treaties WIPO administers, together with national and regional laws,
make up the international legal framework for patents.
Patent-related treaties
Paris Convention
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent
Classification
Patent Law Treaty (PLT)
Budapest Treaty
IP laws and treaties (WIPO Lex)
The WIPO Lex database is a comprehensive search tool that allows you to
search international treaties and national laws on intellectual property.
Guidelines and manuals for national/regional patent offices.

Legislative and policy advice
WIPO provides extensive legislative assistance to developing countries on
request, including advice in exploiting the flexibilities under international
treaties in implementing their obligations.
Alternatives to Patent Search and Examination

Standing Committee (SCP)
In the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) WIPO works with
its member states and observer organizations to develop balanced
international frameworks for patent law and policy. Committee members
discuss, debate and decide on diverse issues related to the development of
patent law to meet society's evolving needs.
Meetings and documents

Standing Committee on the Law of Patents: Thirty-Second Session
December 7 to December 10, 2020 (Geneva, Switzerland)
More SCP photos on Flickr. (Photo: WIPO)

Patent filing
PCT — The international patent system
The Patent and Cooperation Treaty (PCT) allows you to make a single
international patent application that has the same effect as national
applications filed in separate PCT states. In a nutshell, you benefit from one
application, in one language paid for in one currency.
DAS and CASE — Services for patent offices
The WIPO Digital Access Service (DAS) allows priority and other similar
documents to be securely exchanged among participating intellectual
property offices.
The Centralized Access to Search and Examination (CASE)
system enables patent offices to securely share the search and
examination documentation related to patent applications, facilitating a
more effective and efficient international examination process.
Patent search and analysis
PATENTSCOPE
Using PATENTSCOPE you can search through more than 43 million patent
documents, including international patent applications submitted under
the PCT.
Patent Register Portal
The Patent Register Portal is your gateway to online patent registers and
gazettes and to legal-status-related information from over 200 jurisdictions
and patent information collections.
Patent Landscapes — a technology snapshot
Patent Landscape Reports describe the patent situation for a specific
technology in a given geographical area. Our reports break down and
analyze key information from patent searches for easier visualization and
comprehension.
IPC — Streamlining searches
The International Patent Classification (IPC) is used to classify patents and
utility models according to the different areas of technology to which they
relate.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about searching and using the patent information contained
in patent documents.
Patents, technology and development

One of the main functions of the patent system is to foster technological
innovation by providing an incentive for research and development. The
patent system also works to diseminate technical information and promote
technology transfer.
Find out more about the various ways in which WIPO engages
in technology and knowledge transfer.
Inventor Assistance Program (IAP)

The Inventor Assistance Program matches developing country inventors
and small businesses with limited financial means with patent attorneys,
who provide pro bono legal assistance to secure patent protection.
(PHOTO: GETTY/DEMAERRE)
Patent Drafting Training Program
The Patent Drafting Training Program assists users of the patent system to
develop practical skills in drafting and filing patent applications.
(PHOTO: IPOPHIL)
Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs)
Our Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program gives
innovators in developing countries access to high quality technology
information and related services to help them create, protect, and manage
intellectual property rights.
Related links
Information resources on patents
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 Publications
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Training
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 Workshops and seminars
About other types of IP
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 Industrial designs
 CopyrightGeographical indicationsContact UsSite mapAccessibilityTerms of
UsePrivacy Policy
Why is patent required?

In principle, the patent owner has the exclusive right to prevent or stop
others from commercially exploiting the patented invention. In other words,
patent protection means that the invention cannot be commercially made,
used, distributed, imported or sold by others without the patent owner's
consent.
Is patent valid in every country?
Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only
applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and
granted, in accordance with the law of that country or region.
How long does a patent last?
The protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the
filing date of the application.

Patents: What Is A Patent?

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Patents: What Is A Patent?

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 Media

What kind of protection does a patent offer?

Patent topics and issuesAll topics

To what extent are biotechnology processes and products patentable? How

Guidelines and manuals for national/regional patent offices.

Alternatives to Patent Search and Examination

Meetings and documents

More SCP photos on Flickr. (Photo: WIPO)

Patents, technology and development

Inventor Assistance Program (IAP)

Why is patent required?

Is patent valid in every country?

How long does a patent last?

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