Consider patent protection before the public presentation
You have developed a device, improved a manufacturing process or found a new technical solution. Before publishing the details, consider whether patent protection is appropriate. Public disclosure can affect novelty, and the rules and exceptions differ between countries.
Identify what needs protection
We start with the technical contribution: what problem does the invention solve, and how does it differ from known solutions? A product name raises trademark questions; its appearance raises design questions. Copyright may also matter for code. Having an app or a business idea does not, by itself, establish patentability.
Search and strategy
Within the agreed scope, we review known solutions and discuss the prospects of an application. Whether manufacturing or selling the product could infringe someone else’s patent is a separate question. A patentability search does not replace a freedom-to-operate review.
If several countries matter, we compare territorial routes and later costs. A PCT application is a filing mechanism; national or regional offices remain responsible for granting patents.
Preparing the application
We clarify the technical materials, inventors and proposed rights holder. After agreeing a strategy, we work on the description, claims and drawings where needed. We discuss prosecution support and payments to maintain rights. The scope of protection depends on the application and its examination, not simply the invention’s name.
What to tell us first
Describe the task without disclosing confidential details. List the countries of interest and any publications, sales or presentations that have already taken place. We will agree how to exchange technical documentation.
Questions about patenting an invention
Can we patent a business idea or product name?
Patenting concerns a technical solution that meets the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction. A business idea or product name alone is not enough. Zakhyst helps assess whether patent advice is appropriate; names are considered under trademark protection and appearance under design protection.
What does support with patenting an invention include?
We agree the scope after reviewing the task and target countries. It may include prior-art searching, assessing prospects, preparing the description, claims and drawings, and agreed stages of communication with the patent office. Confidential technical materials are shared through a separately agreed channel.
Does a patent search mean we are free to sell the product?
No. A patentability search and a freedom-to-operate review address different questions. One assesses prospects for your own application; the other considers the risk of infringing existing patent rights in the relevant market. We define the required scope around your launch plans.
What determines patenting costs and timelines?
They depend on the invention’s complexity, the readiness of the materials, target countries and examination procedure. The budget considers agreed work, official fees, translations and local representation where needed. Application preparation and office examination are estimated separately; we do not guarantee a grant date.
We have already shown the product. Is it too late?
Do not assume either outcome without a review. The date, content and circumstances of disclosure, and the countries where you seek protection, all matter.
Patent or trade secret?
Among other factors, consider whether the solution can be discovered from the product and whether the business can keep it confidential. Compare these options before disclosure.