Entrepreneurs need to know how to protect their products. But what exactly is a patent?
By Craig Falck for Africa Report
We’ve all heard the word, but how many of us actually understand what a patent is? According to numerous websites, a patent can be described as “an exclusive property right to an invention that gives the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using or selling an invention for a set period”. In Layman’s terms, that means people cannot legally copy and sell your product under their own branding.
Having a patent registered is an important and enormous step to take for inventors, entrepreneurs and business people. It’s not something that should be considered lightly, and hours of research need to be conducted and analysed before a patent can be applied for. You need to make 100 percent sure that your product or invention is your own and not copied from an existing and already-patented product. If it is a copy, you will be infringing on the patent – exactly what you are trying to avoid by applying for a patent yourself.
It’s important to use professionals in the patent administration industry, as they are best qualified to assist you. They have spent years learning the industry and understand strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to products being patented, and they will be able to provide answers for your questions. They will also be in a good position to assist with the filing of your application as well as assessing your needs.
When filling out a patent application, you will be required to provide certain documents and information that will substantiate your application for the patent. This often includes a petition for patent, product specifications (both detailed and drawn) and a signed oath declaring that the product is not copied from an existing product. Once the application has been received, if all requirements are met, you will be given a reference number and your product enters the system and then it’s a matter of waiting.
Having a patent issued over your invention is a wise move to make. However, there are many steps in the process and it is a treacherous path to follow. In the end though, you’ll sleep better knowing that your creation is protected from those unscrupulous business hyenas out there that would copy it in a second.
