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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON PATENTS What is the distinction between invention and innovation?
Appreciating the distinction between invention and innovation is essential. An invention is generally defined as a new and inventive solution to a technical problem. It may relate to the creation of an entirely new device, product, method or process or may simply be an incremental improvement on aknown process or product. Innovation, on the other hand, refers to the translation of the invention into a marketable product or process. Why should you consider patenting your invention?
There are several reasons for patenting an invention. These include the following:- | 1. | A patent grants the owner exclusive rights to prevent or stop others from commercially using the patented invention thereby reducing uncertainty, risk and competition from freeloader. | | 2. | Arising from (i) above, the inventor is able to be rewarded for the amount of time and money spent in developing the invention. | | 3. | Similarly, a patent facilitates action against imitators and free riders thereby ensuring a strong market and competitive position. | | 4. | Facilitate access to technology through cross licensing arrangements. | | 5. | Facilitating assignment of an invention. |
How should one prepare a complete specification?
A completed specification should:– | 1. | Fully describe the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed; and, | | 2. | Disclose the best method of performing the invention known to the applicant at the time. The complete specification must normally contain the following parts: title of the invention, brief introduction of the field of the invention, background of the invention, objective(s) or aims of the invention, brief introduction of the drawings (where the specification contains drawings), a detailed description of the invention and a set of claims defining the subject matter for which protection is claimed. |
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