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.