what is patent
A patent is a legal protection granted by a government to the inventor of a new invention, design, or process. It grants the inventor exclusive rights to use, sell, or license their invention for a specific period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date. This protection prevents others from using, making, or selling the patented invention without the permission of the patent holder.
To obtain a patent, the invention must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. The inventor must submit a detailed application describing the invention and its advantages, along with any necessary drawings or diagrams. The patent application is reviewed by a patent examiner to determine its patentability.
Once granted, a patent provides the inventor with a legal monopoly, allowing them to control how their invention is used. This can be a valuable asset for businesses and individuals, as it allows them to protect their innovations and recover their investment in research and development. Patents also encourage innovation by providing inventors with an incentive to disclose their inventions to the public in exchange for exclusive rights.