Loading...
 

How do I value a patent?

A patent lets its owner prevent anyone using the precise invention unless they obtain a licence from the owner.

So its value depends on who might want to use the invention, and what value it adds to them. AcuteIP can help you measure the value of a patent objectively.

Does filing a Provisional Patent Application have a value?

Yes, for a year from filing, a PPA "reserves" for you the rights that a subsequent full patent will grant.

Having filed a PPA you can publish your idea and claim that it is "Patent Pending". This may give you marketing opportunities you would not have if you kept the invention as a Trade Secret.

How can you gain competitive advantage from a patent?

A patented invention can restrict what your competitors can do, and thus their ability to compete with you. If your patent's scope is broad enough and your business is exactly about using the invention, the patent can completely exclude anyone competing with you.

How much is a patent worth?

That depends on where the patent covers, how useful the patented invention is and how broad the patent is. A patent that covers a very restricted scope will usually be granted more easily, but there may be room for competitors to "work around" it.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a claim of ownership to some novel Intellectual Property (an invention) that can be used to perform a function.

A patent must be applied for separately in each jurisdiction (country) where you want to claim ownership. Each application costs money, and each jurisdiction has subtly different rules which complicate the process. Therefore most patent applicants only apply in a restricted set of jurisdictions, based upon being reasonably sure that the patent will be valuable in each jurisdiction.
At the end of the application process, the national patent office will either issue a patent for the invention, or report why it cannot. An issued patent is proof that you own the invention, and you can use it to stop others using your invention or offer to sell them a licence (restricted permission) to use it.

Some jurisdictions allow claims on living things, others only in a restricted way or not at all. Some jurisdictions allow claims on business processes, others do not.