Patent Attorneys

What is a patent?

A patent is a legal protection granted by the government to an inventor for a new, useful, and non-obvious invention. A patent gives the inventor the exclusive right to make, use, sell, or license the invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date for utility patents.

What types of inventions can be patented?

In general, patents can be granted for new, useful, and non-obvious inventions, which may include:

• Machines and mechanical devices
• Chemical compounds and compositions
• Manufactured products
• Processes and methods
• Certain types of plants
• Certain software-related inventions
  

  How long does the patent application process take?

  The patent application process can vary in length, depending on factors such as the complexity of the invention, the workload of the patent examiner, and whether any objections or rejections are raised by the USPTO. On average, it takes about two to four years from filing to obtain a patent.

  Can I file for a patent internationally?

  Yes, you can file for patent protection internationally. There are two primary ways to do this: file individual patent applications in each country where you want protection or file a single international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which includes over 150 countries. Your patent attorney can help you determine the best approach for your specific situation.

  What happens if someone infringes on my patent?

  If someone infringes on your patent, you have the right to enforce your patent through legal action. This may involve sending a cease and desist letter, negotiating a license agreement, or initiating patent litigation. A skilled patent attorney can help you assess your options and guide you through the enforcement process.
  Don't leave your valuable inventions to chance – rely on the expertise of our vetted legal professionals and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your intellectual property is protected.

Patent attorneys in South Africa specialize in the protection and registration of patents, which grant exclusive rights to inventors for their inventions. The legislation governing patents in South Africa is the Patents Act of 1978. This act provides the legal framework for the examination, registration, and enforcement of patents. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) oversees the registration and administration of patents in South Africa. Patent attorneys assist inventors and businesses with patent applications, patent searches, and ensuring compliance with patent laws. To access more information about patent law and the CIPC, you can visit the following links:

1. Patents Act: https://www.cipc.co.za/files/9014/5018/8374/Patents_Act.pdf
2. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC): http://www.cipc.co.za/