What is a Patent ?

A patent confers upon its holder, for a limited period, the right to exclude others from exploiting (making, using, selling, importing) the patented invention, except with the consent of the owner of the patent.A patent is a form of 'industrial property', which can be assigned, transferred, licensed or used by the owner.Patents are territorial, in effect e.g. an Irish patent is only valid in Ireland.How long does a patent last?Irish patents, in common with most jurisdictions, have a maximum life span of twenty years. Ireland also offers a "short-term" patent, valid for a maximum of ten years. To maintain a patent in force, annual renewal fees must be paid each year from the third year.Patent pendingThis is a term often used on products to alert competitors that an application has been made to protect the invention.