WHAT IS A PATENT?
An exclusionary right given by the government to the creators of an invention to prevent others from making or selling that invention.
WHAT CAN BE PATENTED?
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Inventions that are unique, non-obvious and useful.
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Variations and improvements upon existing inventions.
WHAT CANNOT BE PATENTED?
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Prior art: Something which already exists or has been published or disclosed in public.
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Abstract ideas, laws of nature, or naturally occurring substances.
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Obvious inventions (example: Apple's attempt to patent "slide-to-unlock" was denied in Germany as being too obvious).
DURATION
Generally, 20 years from the date of filing a patent application.
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