Home PatentsWhat
is a Patent?
What is a Patent?
A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method
or process which is new, inventive and useful.
A patent is legally enforceable and gives the owner the exclusive right to
commercially exploit the invention for the life of the patent. This is not automatic-you
must apply for a patent to obtain exclusive rights to exploit your invention.
Kambrook learned this the hard
way.
There are two types of patents in Australia;
- a standard patent gives long-term protection and control over an invention
for up to 20 years.
- an innovation patent is a relatively
fast, inexpensive protection option, lasting a maximum of 8 years. The innovation
patent replaced the petty patent on 24 May 2001, please click
here for more information.
Patents give effective protection if you have invented new technology that will
lead to a product, composition or process with significant long-term commercial
gain.
In return, patent applicants must share their know-how by providing a full
description of how their invention works. This information becomes public and
can provide the basis for further research by others.
You cannot patent artistic creations, mathematical models,
plans, schemes or other purely mental processes.
Australian patents are administered by the Patent Office of IP
Australia, a Federal Government organisation.
Check out some examples of patents that have been
granted in Australia.
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