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A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor that gives exclusive control over the invention for a certain period. It prevents others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention without the patent holder’s consent. Patents encourage innovation by rewarding inventors with protection and potential financial gain. They typically cover new processes, machines, or compositions of matter, ensuring inventors benefit from their creativity.

Patent protection grants inventors exclusive rights to their inventions, typically lasting 20 years from filing date. It stops others from producing, selling, or using the invention without permission. Protection is territorial, meaning it applies only in countries where the patent is granted. This exclusivity allows inventors to commercialize or license their inventions, providing a competitive advantage and potential revenue streams.

To apply for a patent, you must prepare a detailed description of your invention, including its workings and advantages. Then, file a patent application with the relevant patent office, which will review it for novelty, inventiveness, and usefulness. The process can be complex and often requires legal expertise to navigate examination procedures, address objections, and secure protection efficiently.

A patent usually protects an invention for 20 years starting from the filing date. During this period, the patent owner has the exclusive right to make, use, sell, or license their invention. To maintain these rights, regular maintenance fees must be paid. After the patent expires, the invention becomes available for public use, meaning anyone can use it without needing permission or risking legal issues.

Patent protection applies to inventions that are novel, useful, and inventive, including processes, machines, manufactured articles, or chemical compositions. This includes technological solutions like devices, chemical products, or software methods, as long as they meet the legal standards for patentability. Ideas that are abstract concepts, natural phenomena, or laws of nature are excluded from patent eligibility.