Patent
An exclusive right granted for a technical invention, typically valid up to 20 years from filing in exchange for public disclosure.
A patent is an exclusive right granted by a state for a new, non-obvious, and industrially applicable technical invention. In exchange for publishing how the invention works, the patent owner can prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention within the granted territory for up to twenty years from the filing date.
What a patent is used for:
• Protecting investments in R&D and securing a competitive position.
• Preserving freedom to operate in the company's product space.
• Signalling innovation and technical capability to partners, customers, and investors.
• Generating revenue through licensing, sales, or strategic partnerships.
• Blocking or deterring competitors from copying a protected solution.
Patents are granted on a country-by-country basis. Applicants typically use international systems such as the European Patent Convention (EPC) or the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) to file efficiently across multiple jurisdictions.