Mechanical design can be protected through various forms of IP, including patents (which are the most common) and trade secrets for proprietary processes. It must be patentable—mechanical designs must be novel, non-obvious, and have a practical application.
Chemical patents can protect chemical compounds, compositions of matter, methods of making the chemical compound or composition, and methods of use.
Patents aren't only used to protect new product inventions — they can also safeguard methods, manufacturing processes and even new uses for products. A manufacturing process has a chance of being patented if it contains a new or different step that results in an improvement in the process or final product.
Processes are patentable under the U.S. Patent Act if they meet certain criteria. A process patent is a form of utility patent that covers methods of changing the functionality or characteristics of a material during a particular use.
What can be patented? An invention relating either to a product or process that is new, involving an inventive step and capable of industrial application can be patented. However, it must not fall into the categories of inventions that are non- patentable under sections 3 and 4 of the Act.
The advantages of patenting a manufacturing process In return for disclosing your inventive manufacturing process in a patent, you're able to prevent others from using the same process for a period of up to 20 years.
Technically, it is possible to patent a new use of an existing product. Realistically, it might not be worth applying because you would have to show that the new use is nonobvious. Even if you believe your use to spectacularly nonobvious, expect an uphill battle.
Technically, it is possible to patent a new use of an existing product. Realistically, it might not be worth applying because you would have to show that the new use is nonobvious. Even if you believe your use to spectacularly nonobvious, expect an uphill battle.
Format of a Patent Application The Specification. The Title. The Description. The Claims. The Drawings. The Abstract. Sample Specifications. Minimum Requirements for a Filing Date.
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. In other words, a patent is an exclusive right to a product or a process that generally provides a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem.