A patent is for protecting an invention. The term "patent" usually relates to the legal right of protection, the actual government certificate (deed) which reflects that right, and a document called a patent specification which accompanies the certificate. The scope of the invention and the protection claimed is defined in the specification, which also describes the invention, usually with reference to drawings, diagrams, or the like. Essentially, a patent specification is both a legal and a technical document. The proper drafting of patent specifications involves a high level of skill and experience, and is one of the core functions of a patent attorney.

The term "invention" usually relates to an apparatus or device, method or process for doing something (including possibly a method of doing business), a system, or something similar. A patent essentially gives the holder of the patent the exclusive right to commercially exploit the invention for during the life of the patent.

Why get a patent?

In virtually all cases, an invention is the product of significant research and development, ingenuity, imagination, and hard work. In addition, there is a often a substantial investment of time and/or money in conceiving an invention.

Most inventions are easy to copy or reverse engineer. As a result, if you have developed an invention, and if you do not have a patent, other people may be free to copy and have the commercial benefits of the invention, but without having to invest the time and money, as they are relying on your investment. Consequently, your competitors may have a commercial advantage over you.

A patent can give one the exclusive right to commercially exploit the invention so as to prevent competitors from having this advantage. To draft

It is also possible, and quite common, for people who acquire patents to licence their patents to others in exchange for a royalty, or to sell (assign) all of theirs rights in the patent .

Patents can also provide businesses with commercial leverage. For example, if you have a competitor in your industry that has patents, and you also have patents, this can give you something to bargain with so that, for example, you and your competitor may licence each other in relation to your respective inventions. Without having your own patents, your competitor may be able to corner the market.

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