About Patents

General FAQs on Patents

• What is a Patent?
• What does a Patent do?
• What kind of protection does a patent offer?
• What rights does a patent owner have?
• Why are patents necessary?
• What role do patents play in everyday life?
• What kinds of inventions can be protected?
• Who grants patents?
• How can a patent be obtained worldwide?
• Where can I find patent information?
• How can I find patent laws of various countries?
• Can I obtain a patent on my software-related invention?
• Can I discuss details of my invention with a potential investor before filing a patent application?

 

  FAQs on Patents for SMEs

  Patent Searches in Brief

  Guide on patents for business [PDF]

  Patents and SMEs

  Publications, studies and articles on patents

  WIPO Publications and Products on Patents and PCT

  Advice Related to Patents

• WIPO cannot help you to draft a patent application or obtain a patent (other than by accepting an international patent application under the PCT and providing Model International Forms under the PLT for the filing of patent applications with PLT Contracting Parties).
• For advice relating to how laws and procedures apply to specific situations you should consider contacting a patent attorney.
• The granting of patents is a matter of national (or sometimes regional) law.  WIPO maintains directories of contact details and websites  of national and regional patent offices, which may give further information on such matters.