Where and how to deposit a patent
Filing a patent is not an easy task.
The first step to take and undoubtedly the most complex, is to fully understand the invention and therefore assessing if it is patentable, and in the positive case how it is more convenient to protect it.
Whilst for some inventions the evaluation is normally simple, for others it is not so. You just need to think about the food products, the software, or all those inventions apparently ordinary, which because of this must be described in a more rigorous manner.
[Formal characteristics]
From an official point of view it is necessary to prepare a technical documentation comprehensive of a description and drawing tables, which allow understanding what the invention consists in. The documentation must not be a simple description of how the product is made, but it must be written in such a manner to highlight very well what the innovation, over which the protection is needed, actually is. The difficulty in writing the patent is really in this. Even if we are technical experts we can’t say that we will be able to write a patent in the best manner. Therefore it is a good rule to consult an expert.
Having prepared the basic documentation you need to put together the forms. This part can be very difficult depending on the countries where we want the patent granted.
[Countries where the patent will be valid]
The patent will have a territorial validity. One can choose an Italian patent, only valid in our country, or a European patent or an International patent which validity is for a larger number of countries, as you will find indicated on the related pages of this site. One can also select, at certain conditions, filing a patent only in one and in some foreign countries and in this case it will be necessary to refer to an expert who will have some corresponding persons in those countries.
The choice of the type of patent and where to file it varies according to the kind of invention. There are objects that, because of their nature, have a market in some countries rather than others, or inventions that are better exploiting, for commercial strategies, only in certain countries.
The patent authorises the exclusive right to produce and commercialise, therefore this will help in the assessment of the countries where not produce or trade.
These are choices depending partially upon yourselves, partially to be evaluated together with a patent’s consultant who will show every time advantages and disadvantages of a procedure over another one.