Patents
Do you have an innovation of a technical nature? Then a patent application may be the best way to protect your invention. Patents are about protecting inventions that solve problems or make life easier. Think of a new product, method or process.
What is a patent?
A patent gives the holder an exclusive right to use an invention commercially for 20 years. This includes the right to prohibit third parties from using the invention, and also the right to allow third parties to use the invention. Such consent can, of course, be attached to conditions, such as payment of royalties.
What are the conditions for a patent?
A patent application must meet the following legal conditions:
(1) Novelty: the invention must not yet have been published;
(2) Inventiveness: the invention is based on inventive work;
(3) Industrial applicability: the invention is technically reproducible.
A patent application is filed on the basis of a clear and detailed technical description of the invention, including one or more drawings. This patent text must comply with formal criteria and determines the scope of protection of the
patent. A flawed description leads to inadequate protection. Therefore, do not draw up the patent text yourself, but have it done by an authorized representative or expert.
How much does a patent cost?
The costs for a patent application consist of filing and research fees payable per country or region, and the costs of the work of a patent expert or attorney. The total cost depends on the complexity of your invention. For a Dutch patent, the target price is 5,000 to 10,000 euros for the entire process from the patent application to the grant. Once granted, annual fees are due to maintain the patent.