Definition

A patent is an industrial property title that grants its owner a temporary monopoly (usually 20 years) on a technical invention, in exchange for public disclosure. It protects innovation, unlike a trademark which protects a distinctive sign.

Patentability criteria

• Novelty: the invention must not be disclosed before filing
• Inventive step: non-obvious to a person skilled in the art
• Industrial application: usable in an economic sector

Filing routes

• National: through INPI in France, USPTO in the US
• European: through the EPO (European Patent Office), with validation in each country
• International: through the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) administered by WIPO, covering 150+ countries
• European unitary patent: since 2023, unified protection across participating countries

Managing a patent portfolio

Patents demand discipline: increasing annuities each year, PCT extensions, oppositions, licensing and litigation. Dedicated IP software becomes essential beyond a handful of titles.