What is Intellectual Property?
The term "intellectual property" refers to works of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and emblems, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual property is protected by law, for example through patents, copyright and trademark registrations, which allow designers to get recognition or financial benefit from their inventions or creations. Appropriately balancing the interests of innovators and the public at large, the system of intellectual property is to foster an environment conducive to the development of creativity and innovation. Finally, intellectual property can be bought, sold, licensed, or even mortgaged. For more information, you can consult the website of the USPTO or you may contact a Fort Worth patent attorney who can help you from obtain a patent to marketise it.
Can I just sell my idea as is?
You have a great idea for a new product and your Internet research revealed that it did not exist on the market. However, it is not because it is not marketed in US or elsewhere that is not already protected by patents granted or pending (due to the priority date acquired in a deposit patent). You can never be certain that your idea does not exist you based solely on market research. Moreover, it is unlikely you will be yourself capable of conducting an international search for prior art and conclusively interpret the results without the experience and knowledge of experts.
An international prior art search allows to define the originality of your idea and thus its patentability. It forms the basis of your own project, the base of the pyramid itself to your future success, and therefore can not afford to be wrong because it is carried throughout your project to be in danger. Companies are more likely to subsidize an idea if they find that you have invested yourself in your project and can technically and aesthetically evaluate its potential. Protecting your idea before presenting it to the industry is also highly recommended and improves the chances of the product on the market.
Can I patent a business idea?
Yes, you can protect a business idea in US but it should involve a new product idea. Also, it is not possible to patent a scientific or mathematical discovery, theory or method, a way to play a game, a book, a play, a piece of music or artistic work, or a recipe.
Can I patent software?
In US, it is possible to patent software in whether a product is involved or not. Software usually covered by copyright, an automatic right granted to any work written or recorded, such as a software code line.
Can I patent an idea site?
No. The patent protects inventions or products, not websites that will be automatically protected by copyright in all cases.
I discovered a great product abroad, but it does not exist in US; can I protect here?
If the idea is sold somewhere in the world, even in Tibet, this means it has fallen into the public domain. The only opportunity for you to claim the intellectual property and commercialize this product would be to develop and innovate around existing patents to meet the patenting the originality criterion. Fort worth patent attorney law firm can help you in this matter.
What is "Patent Pending"?
This simply means that a patent application has been filed with the USPTO, giving the inventor a priority date on intellectual property, but that does not mean that its patent has been granted, or even that it will .
Can I get an international patent?
There is no international patent itself. The most ambitious is the patent application PCT and covers 142 countries to which he must file individually.
How long is a patent?
A patent may be maintained for a maximum period of 20 years.