Patents

Patents generally cover technological advances – new products and processes. To be patented, an invention must meet three criteria: it must be novel, innovative and useful. To test this, the person applying for a patent must publish a description and instructions that could enable someone else to make and use the product or carry out the process.

Once a patent is granted, the invention becomes the inventor's property – like any property, it can be bought and sold, rented or hired. A patent normally lasts 20 years, after which anyone can use the invention.