A patent is a form of intellectual property protection granted by the government, which gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a specified period. It ensures that the inventor’s novel, non-obvious, and industrially applicable ideas are legally safeguarded while promoting public disclosure of the invention’s details. This protection not only fosters innovation but also provides a competitive edge in the market.

A patent application should be filed as soon as the invention is sufficiently developed and before any public disclosure is made. Timely filing is crucial to secure priority rights under the first-to-file system prevalent in India, ensuring that the invention remains novel and free from prior art. Early application also helps in establishing a strong legal standing to ward off potential infringement and unauthorized exploitation.

Filing a patent is important as it offers legal protection against infringement, enhances the commercial value of the invention, and opens avenues for licensing or strategic partnerships. Both individual inventors and corporate entities can file for a patent, provided they meet the statutory requirements of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Collaborative applications are also permissible, ensuring that all contributors to the invention can benefit from its protection.