A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which can be a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem. This right allows the patent owner to prevent others from commercially making, using, distributing, or selling the invention without the owner's consent, typically for a limited period, often around 20 years. In exchange for this exclusive right, the invention must be fully disclosed to the public, helping to promote innovation and technical knowledge sharing.
Patents protect inventions that are new, useful or industrially applicable, and involve an inventive step that is not obvious. They can cover inventions across all fields of technology, from everyday products to complex technological processes. However, patents only provide protection in the countries where they are granted, and different types of patents exist such as utility patents, design patents, and plant patents.
In summary, a patent is a legal tool protecting inventive creations by granting exclusive rights to the inventor, encouraging further research and development through public disclosure of new inventions.
