1. Utility Patents a) Mechanical Engineering Utility patents in mechanical engineering protect new machines, devices, and manufacturing processes. Example: US Patent No. 6,000,000 covered an innovative way to assemble a bicycle chain more efficiently. Legal Considerations: Novelty and non-obviousness are key (35 U.S.C. § 102, 103). Functional aspects are emphasized over aesthetic features. Case Law: [...]
Before applying for any intellectual property (IP) protection, a professional preliminary search is crucial to assess the novelty, distinctiveness, and enforceability of the desired IP right. A thorough search minimizes the risk of rejection, infringement disputes, and unnecessary costs. Each type of IP right requires a different approach to prior art or existing rights research [...]
Describing the invention clearly and precisely What you should know in advance: the patent system is a very large and complex legal field. Therefore, it can be of benefit to appoint a patent attorney or lawyer for your patent application. If you are not resident in Germany, you need a patent attorney or lawyer for [...]
Protection for your technical inventions Commercially successful ideas are often copied or imitated – from everyday objects to sophisticated high-tech products. You can use patents to protect your technical inventions (innovative products or processes) against unwanted imitation. Patent proprietors gain a territorial monopoly right of use for a limited period. At the same time, patents [...]
Please bear in mind that the patent system is a very complex field of law. It may be advisable to retain the services of a patent attorney for preparing and filing a patent application. If you are not residing in Germany, you are legally required to be represented by a patent attorney. Clear and complete [...]