What is a patent?
The following information is taken directly from the IPAustralia web site.
A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method or process which is new, inventive and useful.
A patent is legally enforceable and gives the owner the exclusive right to commercially exploit the invention for the life of the patent.
There are two types of patents in Australia;
- a standard patent gives long-term protection and control over an invention for up to 20 years.
- an innovation patent is a relatively fast, inexpensive protection option, lasting a maximum of 8 years.
You cannot patent artistic creations, mathematical models, plans, schemes or other purely mental processes.
Australian patents are administered by the Patent Office of IP Australia , a Federal Government organisation.
A comprehensive list of patent terminology, including acronyms, is available from the IP Australia glossary
