PATENTS
What is a patent?
A patent is an exclusive statutory right to exploit an invention. There is no precise definition of what is an ‘invention’. It can be a product or a process or a business method. It cannot be a mere discovery or a bare principle. The inventor “must use his knowledge and ingenuity to produce a new and useful thing or result, or a new method of producing and old thing or result” (Lane-Fox v Kensington & anor, (1892) 9 RPC 413. The invention must be for a useful art as distinct to a fine art so artistic or musical works are not patentable even if new and original.
To be patented, the invention must meet the threshold requirements of ‘novelty’ and ‘inventiveness’ in that it must be both new when compared with the previous state of knowledge in the relevant area as well as exhibit the exercise of inventive ingenuity when judged against that state of knowledge. Something may be novel but still lack inventiveness if it is the obvious next step in a particular field of knowledge, for example, synthetic paint brushes may be new but not inventive given that most articles previously made from natural materials are logically now made from artificial materials.
The patent system is based on the policy of encouraging innovation by granting limited monopoly rights of commercial exploitation in return for which the inventor must fully disclose details of the invention. Disclosure of the invention encourages further research and gives the public access to the invention once the monopoly expires.
It is not possible to patent artistic creations, mathematical models, mere schemes or mental processes. This means patent protection is generally not relevant to artists; however, it may be relevant to an arts organisation or individual seeking to protect a new business method.
Types of patents
There are two types of patents:
1. standard patent which is granted after a rigorous examination process and gives protection for up to twenty years for a device, substance, method or process found to be novel, inventive and useful; and
2. innovation patent which is a less expensive form of protection lasting up to eight years. Applications are processed more quickly and the threshold for registrability is lower than for a standard patent in that an applicant must merely demonstrate an innovative step.
Patentable inventions
Patent protection is not automatic and only exists after an application has been made and is accepted by IP Australia. For a patent to be granted, the application must satisfy the legal requirements set out in the Patents Act 1990 (Cth).
Demonstration, discussion, sale or use of the invention in public before filing a patent application may prevent successful patenting. Once disclosed to the public, the invention will no longer be ‘new’. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, it is important that inventors do not disclose their creation to third parties (for example commercial partners) except on a confidential basis pursuant to written confidentiality agreements. For further information and a sample confidentiality agreement see Arts Law’s information sheet “Protecting Your Ideas” available from our website www.artslaw.com.au.
Prior to filing an application, it is advisable to retain a Patent Attorney to carry out a comprehensive search to assess whether there are existing inventions or technologies which could be obstacles to registration. Patent registration is a costly process and particularly frustrating if unsuccessful due to the existence of known prior art which could have been identified prior to lodging the application If the invention is not able to meet the requirement of ‘inventiveness’ for a standard patent, it may meet the lower threshold required for an innovation patent.
How to apply for a patent
IP Australia is the government body responsible for registering and administering patents. The IP Australia website contains information on the application process, see www.ipaustralia.gov.au for further information. However, it is important to note that applying for a patent can be a complicated process and IP Australia advises seeking the professional assistance of a Patent Attorney when applying for a patent. Many patent applications filed without professional assistance fail due to a lack of knowledge or experience with the law, technology or the procedural requirements associated with lodging an application. It is generally not possible to try again following such rejection as details of the patent application have been published so that the invention lacks novelty. The IP Australia website provides a list of Patent Professionals.
Who can apply
The appropriate applicant for the patent is the owner of the invention. This may be the inventor or co-inventors, the company that employed the inventors or another third party to whom rights to the invention have been assigned by contract.
Overview of the application process
The patent application procedure for a standard patent is very technical but basically involves:
• Filing an application with the Patent Office of IP Australia (this can be done online). The application must include a written specification describing the invention and how it works, a set of claims defining the invention, a completed patent request form and the relevant filing fee;
• The completed application will be given a priority date which is normally the date of filing unless the application is based on an earlier application in Australia or overseas in which case the priority date will be the date of that earlier document. The Patent Office assesses whether the invention meets the statutory criteria for a valid patent as at the priority date.;
• The application will be published by the Patent Office approximately 18 months after filing.;
• The application will be examined by the Patent Office usually no earlier than about 3 years from the filing date. Examination involves a comparison of the invention claimed with the ‘prior art base’ i.e. what was known in the relevant industry about the problem addressed by the invention as at the priority date. This enables the Patent Office to determine if the invention is new and not obvious, ie, inventive. The Patent Office may issue reports seeking clarification or raising objections and the application will not proceed until these are satisfactorily addressed by the applicant.
• If the examination process does not reveal any deficiencies or these are successfully overcome, the patent application is accepted. Following publication of the acceptance of a patent application you must wait a period of three months in which other people can oppose your patent application on the basis that it is invalid. Less than 2% of accepted applications are opposed; however opposition proceedings can take several years to resolve and can result in the application being rejected.
• Following payment of the registration fee, the patent is granted with effect from the date of filing.
A standard patent can be used as a basis for seeking equivalent protection in other countries. This is not possible with an innovation patent.
How long does a patent last?
Standard patents last for a maximum term of 20 years (or 25 years for a standard patent relating to a pharmaceutical substance). Innovation patents are initially granted for 2 years and the maximum term is 8 years. Maintenance fees must be paid for both standard patents, innovation patents and patent applications. For further information on maintenance fees contact IP Australia or check the Patent fees section at www.ipaustralia.gov.au.
Patenting a business method
Since 1991 in Australia, it has been accepted that computer software related inventions are patentable. However, it has taken longer for business methods to be recognized as patentable. With the application of technological innovation and particularly information and communication technology to the methods and systems used in commerce, there has been a growing pressure for business methods to be patentable in limited circumstances.
What is a business system or method?
A business system is a method of operating an enterprise, or of processing financial or management data, in a field of economic endeavour. A business system or method will typically involve a method of resource management, advertising, marketing and customer service. It includes but is not limited to the use of the internet and e-commerce in business. Business methods are focussed on the way business information is obtained and used and whether the scheme can be put into effect, rather than the development of new technologies. A patentable business method must achieve an end result which is an artificially created state of affairs in the field of economic endeavour; It must be a process which ‘belongs to a useful art as distinct from a fine art’.
Since 2001 in Australia it has generally been accepted that a business method may be patentable, provided the ordinary legal requirements for patentability are satisfied. It must be something new, inventive and useful. This may mean the interacting of a technological process with a method. For example, a process for operating a ‘smart card’ containing a computer chip which allowed reward points offered by traders to be recorded, according to different loyalty schemes, was patentable. So was a card reminder system for patent attorneys in relation to the payment of patent renewal fees and an internet auction system for purchasing airline tickets. Conversely, an arrangement of buoys for navigation purposes was merely a system for arranging known objects and not patentable.
Risk of infringement
If you are starting a new business in which you will use software programs, e-commerce systems or other artificially implemented business methods, it is prudent to ascertain whether the programs, methods or systems you intend to use are protected by patents and, if so, to ensure you have obtained all necessary licences. Otherwise you may be at risk of claims for patent infringement. If you have developed those programs and methods yourself then consider whether you should seek patent protection. It is worth discussing your plans with a Patent Attorney or an intellectual property lawyer.
Further information
Information in this Information Sheet is provided as guidance only and is not intended to be comprehensive. It does not constitute legal advice. Due to the complexity of the issues involved, Arts Law Centre of Australia strongly recommends seeking professional advice in relation to patents by contacting IP Australia, a registered Patent Attorney or an intellectual property lawyer.
• IP Australia telephone 1300 651 010 or their website http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au
• Arts Law Centre of Australia may be able to assist with referral to a lawyer specialising in intellectual property. Telephone (02) 9356 2566 or toll-free outside Sydney 1800 221 457.
© Arts Law Centre of Australia 2006
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The Arts Law Centre of Australia has been assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.