What is a Patent?

Legal document describing in detail an invention. It gives the owner an absolute monopoly right preventing others from using that invention, as specified in the claims.

What must be shown for a patent to be granted

• The invention must be new and previously publicly undisclosed
• It must not be obvious to a person skilled in that field.
• It must have practical / industrial application

Why should a company have patents?

• Typically provides a 20-year legally protected monopoly over all claims within the patent.
• As a tradable asset, a patent provides income generation opportunities through licensing royalties , sale, protected manufacture and in support of brand development.
• As a legal monopoly, a patent portfolio creates a strong barrier to entry, is a valuable source of competitive advantage and has a proven positive impact upon the share price