Medical Sciences patents in South Africa

November 16, 2008
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

Although frustrating for surgeons developing ground breaking surgery techniques, the techniques are specifically excluded from medical sciences patents in South Africa. What can be patented? The instruments used in the surgery methods can receive protection under medical sciences patents in South Africa. The same requirements of novelty and usefulness will apply. It is also important not to use the instruments or publish information about the instruments prior to filing a patent application. The good news is that once the patent application has been filed as for any of the medical sciences patents, you can publish information immediately after and will not have to wait until full patent rights have been awarded.