A patent is a form of intellectual property that gives its owner the legal right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing an invention for a limited period, typically 20 years from filing. In exchange, the inventor must disclose the invention publicly.

Patents are granted for new, useful, and non-obvious inventions, including processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter. They are territorial, meaning protection must be sought in each country. Patents are important in technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Key points

• Exclusive right to an invention
• Typically 20 years
• Requires public disclosure
• Territorial protection