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ARTICLE · 04 MAY 2016

What is a patent? And why should you consider a patent application?

Colin Biggers & Paisley
Explore more from Colin Biggers & Paisley

If you own a patent for something you have invented, it can be used as a powerful tool to protect your business.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Dan Brush
Dan Brush

In brief - A patent can be a powerful tool to protect your business

If you own a patent for something you have invented, you have an exclusive right to commercialise it; to stop others from manufacturing, using or selling it without your permission; and to take legal action against those who do so.

What is a patent?

A patent is legally enforceable right that provides the patent owner with exclusive rights to use and commercialise an invention in the patent territory for the life of the patent. In exchange for this monopoly right, the patent owner must disclose to the public how the invention works.

A patent can be granted for a device, substance, method or process that has been created that is new, inventive and useful when compared with what is already published or known in the world.

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