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A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor, allowing exclusive control over an invention for a certain period, usually 20 years.
Any new, useful, and non-obvious process, machine, composition of matter, or improvement thereof can be patented.
The three main types are utility patents (functional inventions), design patents (ornamental designs), and plant patents (new plant varieties).
A utility and plant patent typically lasts 20 years, while a design patent lasts 15 years.
A patent protects inventions and technical solutions, whereas a trademark protects brand names, logos, and symbols.
In many jurisdictions, software can be patented if it provides a technical solution rather than just an abstract idea.
The process includes conducting a patent search, preparing a detailed application, filing with the patent office, and undergoing an examination.
A prior art search checks for existing patents or publications to determine if an invention is novel and patentable.
No, patents are granted for tangible inventions and processes, not abstract ideas.
A provisional application provides temporary protection (12 months) and allows you to establish a filing date before filing a non-provisional (full) application.
You can take legal action, including filing an infringement lawsuit to seek damages and stop unauthorized use.
Yes, patents can be sold, assigned, or licensed to others for commercial use.
It occurs when someone makes, uses, sells, or imports a patented invention without permission.
The process varies but typically takes between 1 to 5 years, depending on complexity and jurisdiction.
In many countries, public disclosure before filing can make the invention unpatentable. The U.S. allows a 1-year grace period, but other countries may not.
While not required, a patent attorney or agent is highly recommended for navigating the complex filing and prosecution process.
Yes, you can use the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or file separate applications in each country.
Once expired, the patented invention enters the public domain, meaning anyone can use it without permission.
These are periodic fees required to keep a granted patent in force, varying by jurisdiction.
You can monitor for infringement, issue cease-and-desist notices, negotiate settlements, or take legal action.
A trademark is a unique symbol, word, phrase, or logo that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others.
Registration gives you exclusive rights to use the mark, prevents others from using similar marks, and provides legal protection in case of infringement.
Names, logos, slogans, colors, sounds, and even shapes that uniquely identify your brand.
™ indicates an unregistered trademark, while ® signifies a registered trademark with legal protection.
Typically, trademarks last for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
No, generic words cannot be trademarked, but unique combinations or stylized versions may qualify.
A trademark search checks existing trademarks to ensure your desired name or logo is not already in use.
Trademark protection is territorial, but you can apply for international protection through agreements like the Madrid Protocol.
Your application may be rejected, or the owner of the existing trademark may oppose your registration.
Unauthorized use of a registered trademark that causes confusion among consumers.
You can send a cease-and-desist letter, file an opposition, or take legal action.
Yes, if they operate in different industries and there’s no likelihood of confusion.
Costs vary by country, filing type, and legal assistance required.
Yes, but they will be treated as separate applications if filed separately.
It involves conducting a trademark search, filing an application, examination by authorities, publication for opposition, and final approval.
Yes, but unregistered trademarks have limited legal protection.
A process where a third party challenges your trademark registration before it is finalized.
Yes, trademarks can be transferred or licensed to other businesses.
A mark that has gained a high level of recognition and is protected even without registration in some cases.
You must file a renewal application before the expiry date to maintain protection.
Copyright is a legal right that protects original works of authorship, such as books, music, films, software, and artistic creations, from unauthorized use.
Registration provides legal proof of ownership, making it easier to enforce your rights in case of disputes or infringement.
Literary works, musical compositions, paintings, films, software code, architectural designs, and other original creative expressions.
Yes, copyright protection applies automatically upon the creation of an original work. However, registration strengthens enforcement rights.
Typically, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 to 100 years, depending on the jurisdiction.
No, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. You must document your idea in a tangible form.
You need to submit an application with a copyright office, including details of the work and payment of the required fee.
Logos are usually protected under trademark law, but if they contain original artistic elements, they may also qualify for copyright.
Yes, copyright owners can sell, transfer, or license their rights through a written agreement.
Copyright protects creative works, while trademarks protect brand names, logos, and symbols associated with goods or services.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or public display of a copyrighted work without permission.
You can use copyright notices, register your works, monitor unauthorized usage, and enforce your rights legally.
Fair Use allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like education, research, commentary, and news reporting, but it depends on specific factors.
Yes, website content, including text, images, and original design elements, can be copyrighted.
Yes, co-authors can share copyright ownership, but rights and responsibilities should be clearly defined in an agreement.
Copyright protects creative works, while patents protect inventions and technological innovations.
Registration provides legal evidence of ownership, but you can also use timestamps, drafts, and contracts as proof.
Yes, musical compositions and recordings can be copyrighted separately.
You can send a cease-and-desist letter, file a takedown notice, or take legal action against the infringer.
While not mandatory, hiring an attorney can ensure proper filing, enforcement, and protection of your copyright.
An industrial design refers to the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article, including its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation.
Registering your design grants you exclusive rights to its use, preventing others from copying or imitating it without permission.
The design must be new or original, not previously published or used in any country, and should be applied to an article by an industrial process.
Design protection typically lasts for 10 years from the date of registration, with the possibility of renewal for an additional period, depending on jurisdiction.
No, design protection covers only the aesthetic aspects of a product, not its functional or technical features.
Design rights are territorial. To protect your design in multiple countries, you must file separate applications in each jurisdiction or use international treaties like the Hague Agreement.
A patent protects the functional and technical aspects of an invention, while a design registration protects the visual appearance of a product.
Public disclosure before filing can jeopardize the novelty requirement. It's advisable to file for registration before any public disclosure.
The process involves filing an application with the relevant intellectual property office, which examines the application for compliance before granting registration.
Yes, as the owner, you can license your design to third parties, allowing them to use it under agreed terms.
You can take legal action against the infringer, seeking remedies such as injunctions, damages, or account of profits.
Minor modifications may be allowed, but significant changes would require a new application, as the original registration covers only the design as filed.
Yes, designs that are contrary to public order or morality, or that include offensive or obscene material, cannot be registered.
Design registration specifically protects the aesthetic aspects of industrial products, while copyright protects original artistic and literary works.
Using the design before registration is at your own risk, as protection is typically granted only after registration.
A prior art search involves checking existing designs to ensure that your design is new and has not been previously registered or published.
If the design is too similar to an existing registered design, it may not qualify for registration due to lack of novelty.
The cost varies by jurisdiction and may include application fees, examination fees, and professional fees if you hire an attorney.
Regular market surveillance, design watch services, and monitoring competitors can help detect potential infringements.
Once the maximum term of protection has expired
