What is a Patent?

A patent is a government-granted right given to an inventor for a novel invention that involves an inventive step and can be used in industry. A patent must be applied for and examined before grant.

Once granted under the Patents Act, 1970, it gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, sell, or license the invention for a limited term, usually 20 years from filing.

Patents protect technical solutions such as new products, machines, processes, or improvements, but not abstract ideas.

They are territorial rights effective only in the country where they’re granted and are meant to promote innovation by rewarding inventors for sharing their invention.