A patent is a type of techno-legal document. To gain a patent, the invention must be novel or should be an inventive initiative. It should be industrially feasible and applicable as well. A country’s government offers a patent in an exclusive right. The country’s government usually awards innovators for their contributions and inputs. A patent is termed an agreement between the government and the inventor for a certain period. Usually, the time limit is up to twenty years in several countries.
A patent is a territorial right awarded to inventors for their positive contributions to a particular niche. A patent isn’t shielded by a judiciary when it isn’t filed. Exclusive patent rights are granted in fields like manufacturing and selling. It’s also granted in niches like importing, offer to sell, licensing, and so forth. Only a patentee will be able to exploit patented inventions up to the period of twenty years. A third party performing the aforementioned functions can be accused of infringing the laws.
What is the function of a patent agent in India?
The patent agent works as a medium between the Patent Office and the patentee to coordinate activities. One of the foremost functions of a patent agent in India is to represent the inventor or act on behalf of the patentee. Besides, a patent agent is equipped with technical and legal know-how to define the potential of the patent along with extensions of the claims. Apart from this, patent agents are responsible for helping inventors convert their innovations into patentable ones. Next, this invention can be easily filled in the form of a patent application as per the prescribed laws within the country.
Other functions of patent agents can be seen as patent search, patent drafting, FTO/Infringement analysis, filing and drafting opposition, prosecution within the patent office to obtain a patent, revocation of patents, IP enforcements, and patents maintenance. Patent agents play an indispensable role right from forming an idea to the enforcement of an individual’s patent. According to the Indian Patent Act 1970, patent agents can handle activities on behalf of the patentees and carry out any business assignment. They’ll also appear within the patent office on the patentee’s behalf.
Today’s marketplace successfully accentuates the importance of ‘knowledge’ and ‘expertise’- as they’re the most precious forms of intangible property. Knowledge successfully brings new industries into the picture- especially pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, computers, biotechnology, and similar materials. Nevertheless, such innovations and creations in the niche of technology and science require ample protection- the way our tangible property needs protection, such as our car, house, or field. Here, the role of the patent comes into the picture. A patent can protect intangible property related to the innovations made by a human mind. The most vital step in today’s world is to shield a first-hand invention or innovation by filing a specific patent application. IPR law firms in India aim to protect the interests of manufacturers or any inventor.
