Patent An Idea - Intellectual Property Protection
WHAT IS PROTECTEDInventions, ie products or processes which satisfy certain criteria including newness or novelty. For a Standard patent the invention must also involve an inventive step. For an innovation patent the patent must involve an innovative step.
OBTAINING PROTECTION
By application to the Patent Offi ce with accompanying documentation describing and defi ning the invention.
WHO GAINS PROTECTION
The inventor or the employer, or an assignee of either.
LENGTH OF PROTECTION
Standard patents: a maximum length of 20 years. Innovation patents (primarily intended for minor inventions with a short commercial life): a maximum length of 8 years.
PROTECTION CONFERRED
The right to prevent others making, using, importing, hiring, selling or otherwise exploiting the patented invention in Australia.