 Back
A patent provides a monopoly to a patent owner to make, use, and otherwise exploit an invention, during the duration of the patent. This monopoly right can be used to prevent others from also exploiting the invention in competition with the patent owner.
The philosophy behind the patent system in Australia is to promote technological advancement and its disclosure to the public, and through this, to advance industry in Australia. The grant of the monopoly to inventors and their employers compensates for the investment of time and money in the development of the invention.
Failure to patent your invention can result in others being able to use your invention without your authorisation. Others who copy an unpatented invention are benefiting from the time and cost associated with development of the invention, without themselves having to go to that effort. There is no legal protection under patent law for an unpatented invention, which can be used to stop such copying.
Back
|
Disclaimer