About Patent

A Patent is an intellectual property right over an invention, which may concern a product, method, process, material etc.

By the grant of a patent, you acquire exclusive exploitation rights over your relevant invention, under conditions, for a period of 20 years (which in cases of pharmaceutical or plant-protection products may be extended up to 25 years and in cases of paediatric pharmaceutical products up to 25 years and 6 months), such as, for example, manufacture, sale, import, export etc.

During the patent validity period, you can, as the holder of a patent, use, assign or license your invention and take steps against third parties in case of its unauthorised use.

The patent validity is limited geographically in the territory where it is registered. For example, a Cypriot Patent provides protection to its holder only in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

It is noted that a patent neither protects the appearance of a product nor can it be invoked for purposes of differentiating one enterprise from another. If you wish to protect the appearance of your product or protect your trademark as a distinct part of your enterprise or products/services, you may do so through other forms of intellectual property rights (e.g. industrial design or sample, trademarks etc.). For further information, you may refer to the page choosing the most suitable type of intellectual property right.