Patenting
Are your ideas sufficiently protected?
A new invention deserves the best protection. If you are in doubt about how to obtain a patent for your idea, VALUA is ready to help you. Our many years of experience ensure an effective and efficient prosecution that increases the chances of your patent application leading to a granted, valid patent.
We can assist you with every aspect of the patenting process: from the very early idea to the enforcement of a granted patent and infringement assessments. Contact VALUA if you need:
- Novelty searches and patentability evaluations
- Inventorship and rights issues
- Drafting patent and utility model applications along with subsequent prosecution in proceedings and case management
- Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) and patent term extensions
- Appeals and objections
- Assistance in patent litigations
- Teaching and educating in patent law
Our approach to patent protection is pragmatic and business oriented. We deliver specific recommendations for the purpose of protecting your technology further or using your patent strategically, e.g. by limiting the available options for your competitors. Our cost effective solutions are adapted to the relevant market, and our counseling can be tailored to both national and international companies.
VALUA have also developed the Patent School where you can explore the world of patents. Here you can play games, read about patentability and learn about IP strategies.
The purpose of patenting is to share technical knowledge in exchange for obtaining exclusive rights to the commercial exploitation of an invention. Patent protection is often a central element in business development and can strengthen the market position of your company. At the same time, patents do not prevent universities and research institutions from carrying out research and development. This way innovation can be build upon the most recent knowledge while the inventor is rewarded with a time limited exclusive right.
In order to obtain a patent for your invention, it needs to:
- Be new
- Involve an inventive step (not obvious to a person skilled in the art)
- Have industrial application
Further, a patent is limited in time, geography and technical scope:
- Typically a granted patent is valid 20 years from the filing date as long as the annual renewal fees are paid. In some cases you can obtain a patent term extension.
- The patent is granted in individual countries, so you need a strategy for how many and which countries you wish to obtain protection in.
- The scope of protection is defined by the patent claims. We recommend that you consult a patent attorney to ensure that you obtain the broadest possible protection.
VALUA has extensive experience with obtaining patents within multiple technical areas (read more here). We work in close collaboration with you to ensure the best possible protection of your technology while staying within your budget.
Patent protection begins with filing an application. In Denmark, you typically file with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office or the European Patent Office (EPO). We recommend that you contact a patent attorney to help with drafting the application and to file the application with the authorities.
Subsequently, your application with be processed by the authorities. First, it will go through a formal examination, followed by a substantive examination evaluating the patentability of your invention. You will have the opportunity to comment and make necessary amendments during proceedings until it is either rejected or granted when it lives up to the requirements for patentability.
When the authorities approve your patent, it will be granted. Other parties can then oppose your patent in a time limited period following the grant. Afterwards you will have a patent that can be enforced and used to ensure your exclusive right to the invention.
VALUA will help you with the best strategy. For example, seeking a broad patent protection might take longer and be harder to get granted, so pros and cons must continuously be evaluated. In Europe, the fees for proceedings are paid on an ongoing basis to encourage the applicants to evaluate whether they want to maintain the application.