In the field of industrial property protection, the term “patent” is generally understood to mean a so-called invention or utility patent. This is an intellectual property right with which a technical invention can be protected against unauthorized use by third parties for a limited period of time, typically a maximum of 20 years.
The term “invention” is not defined conclusively by law. Rather, the meaning of the term has developed over time, primarily through case law. In essence, an invention is a solution to a technical problem by technical means.
An important special feature of patent protection is that it not only provides protection against a more or less identical reproduction of a specific implementation of an invention by unauthorized parties, but that inventions can typically be protected rather as more general technical concepts, so that protection can be achieved that covers a wide variety of technical implementations of the same concept protected by the patent. Patent protection is therefore particularly powerful among all types of intellectual property rights.
Expertise
Utility models are “little relatives” of patents that exist in some countries, such as Germany, which also serve to protect technical inventions and have a few important special features. In particular, they are – unlike patents – intellectual property rights which, apart from a formality check, essentially do not undergo any substantive examination with regard to protectability (similar to patentability). Such an examination is reserved for any subsequent litigation proceedings.
We are happy to provide you with comprehensive support in all aspects of the patent system, in particular in identifying inventions worthy of protection, their protection by patents and/or utility models, portfolio management, employee invention law and much more. We also work closely with our long-established international network of correspondent law firms when it comes to foreign protection, particularly outside the countries covered by European Patents.
Whether you have questions about our services or need support in the area of intellectual property, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with expertise and personalized advice.
