Patent
What is patent?
A patent is an exclusive right to use an invention or idea commercially. You receive a document whereon it says that you are the only one who has the rights to produce, sell, as well as import the idea.
If you have a patent on a concept or an idea, then you ensure that no one can “steal” this idea or concept. It is therefore also important to apply for a patent before the idea is made public. This way copy products of your idea will not be made, at least not legally. Hereby your idea will be more unique and have a greater value and thereby generate greater returns.
Remember that the responsibility for figuring out if your idea is being used elsewhere, and thereby violating your rights, is solely your own.
The patent system has two purposes. One of them is to get the exclusive rights to an idea for a limited period of 20 years. The other purpose is to publicize an idea and make it available to everyone, so that it can benefit society.
Having a patented idea does not mean that others can’t continue working on the issues that your idea solves, or further developing your idea. In addition, patents are limited to one country at a time, so you must apply for patents in all the individual countries where you want to have exclusive rights in to ensure your idea is not copied.
3 requirements and conditions to get a patent:
- The idea must be original, this applies to everything known in the corresponding field on the day that you apply.
- It must differentiate itself from existing ideas in the corresponding field.
- The idea must be able to be used for industrial purposes.
Patent application
If you want to apply for a patent on your idea, then it first and foremost must comply with the three above stated requirements. You can check on the Danish Patent and Trademark Office if someone has already invented your idea.
In your application for a patent, you must:
- Describe your idea and feel free to attach drawings and illustrations.
- Describe the technical solution that is the basis for your idea, describe what is different or new about your idea.
- Write a summary, wherein you describe what problem your idea can solve, and where and how the idea can be used.
If necessary, read an elaboration on the patent application process here: Guidance
It takes around 1-3 years for your application to be processed. This is a long time but remember that your patent applies with retroactive effect from the application date. This means that as soon as you have sent in your application for a patent on your idea, from then on, your patent will be protected, assuming your patent application is approved.
Apply for a patent
If you want to apply for a patent on your idea, you can so here.
It can be a difficult process, so we recommend that you get in touch with some of our coaches in this field: Anne-Mette Bak Nielsen.
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