Lecture on Patents and Intellectual Property

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed to aid in the understanding of key terms related to patents and intellectual property.

Patent

A legal document granting the exclusive right to a product or process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem.

Intellectual Property

A category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect.

Novelty

A requirement for patentability indicating that the invention must contain a new feature not known in the existing body of knowledge at the time of filing.

Inventive Step

A requirement stating that the invention must not be obvious to someone with knowledge and experience in the subject area.

Utility

The requirement that an invention must be capable of being used for an industrial or business purpose.

Exclusivity

The right given to patent owners to make, use, or sell their inventions without others exploiting them without permission.

Patent Application

The formal request filed with a patent office to obtain a patent.

Design Patent

A patent that protects the ornamental design of a functional item.

Utility Patent

A patent that protects new or improved inventions by prohibiting others from making, selling, or using the invention.

Plant Patent

A patent that protects new varieties of plants that are asexually reproduced.

TRIPS Agreement

An international treaty that establishes minimum standards for the protection of intellectual property rights.

Patent Eligibility

The specific criteria set forth by law that determine whether an invention qualifies for patent protection.

Scope of Patent Protection

The extent to which a patent protects an invention, as described in the patent claims.

Prior Art

Existing knowledge and inventions that are publicly known before the filing of a patent application.

Right of Priority

The right to claim the filing date of an earlier patent application when filing subsequent applications in other countries.

Patent Publication

The process by which a patent application is made available to the public after a specified period, typically 18 months from the filing date.

Non-Patentable Subject Matter

Categories of ideas and inventions that cannot be patented, such as scientific theories or natural phenomena.