Gadget inventions

October 29, 2008
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

Gadget type inventions must comply with three conditions in order for them to patentable. They must be:

• Novel – a search must be carried out to ensure that the gadget type invention has never been patented before anywhere in the world.
• Inventive – a technician skilled in the field in which the gadget type invention lies must not deem it to be obvious.
• Useful – the gadget type invention must be of use to commerce, industry or agriculture

If your gadget type invention complies with these three conditions, it may be worth applying for a patent for it. In order to apply for a patent in South Africa, the first step is to make an application for a provisional patent. This is done by submitting the prescribed application forms to the patent office at CIPRO (Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office) in Pretoria. Engaging the services of a patent attorney is the best way to do this.