Patent Classification Systems in use today

February 8, 2011
Attorneys, Patents

Patent classification is used by the various patent offices around the world to ensure an ordered way of patent information arrangement whether the information consists of patent applications or registered patents.

The patent classification system of one country is not necessarily the same as used in another country, but there is a general trend of using internationally agreed classification systems for uniformity and easy of information retrieval.

One should take note that a single invention can be filed under numerous classes.

The patent classification system is standardised to ensure usability. If it wasn’t the case, one would struggle to find the information again. The IPC, which stands for the International Patent Classification system is used worldwide. There are also other classification systems in use such as the ECLA which is the European Classification system used by the European Patent Office and which is also an adaptation of the International Patent Classification system.

The IPC came into being as the outcome of the 1971 Strasbourg Agreement and it consists of specific symbols used for the arrangement of patents and also models according the area of technology. In the United States a specific office manages the patent classification system. South Africa also makes use and acknowledges the IPC system.

The idea behind arrangement of documents in classes regarding the specific format and also area of technology is also to ensure that the classifiers, librarians and any person working with patents will have a standardised method of arranging documents. It is also done to ensure that information stored can be retrieved again.

It certainly does help if a person is familiar with how the various patent classification systems work.

If you want to find out more on how your patent documents will be classified or need to retrieve patent information, contact us at Smit & Van Wyk Intellectual Property Attorneys for assistance today.

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Patent Applications in other Countries

April 7, 2010
Patents

Role of  patent attorneys regarding applications in other countries

To register an invention for patent rights in another country, you need to file and international patent application. The Smit & Van Wyk patent attorneys have extensive experience in this regard and will be able to do so for you.

Under the Paris Patent Cooperation Treaty, only one application is required for registration of a patent in 133 member countries. South Africa is also a member country ensuring cost and time savings when it comes to international patent applications.

The process however, must be done correctly to ensure that you will not waste money.

As such the expertise of the Smit & Van Wyk patent attorneys becomes all the more important. We will also arrange for an international search of databases and ensure the full assessment of your invention at the European Patent Office.

Patent Links

1. Gadget Invention Patent Application – Even before you take the gadget invention to another party for review and assistance, file the all important provisional patent application.
2. How to Patent Inventions – To protect your rights as an inventor you need to file patent applications for your inventions in each country, where protection is sought.
3. Protect your Invention – For public disclosure and protection of an invention, the inventor needs to apply for a patent.
4. Patent Application – Contact Request

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Patent Applications

January 7, 2010
Patents

Before you jump the gun and submit complete patent applications, consider the benefits of first applying for a provisional patent. Once a complete patent application has been filed, it is impossible to add additional matter.

These patent applications are also much more expensive than the provisional applications. The benefit of this two-step approach is the fact that it gives you time to determine the financial feasibility of the patent and to finalise you invention, before making this additional financial investment.

Is there a market for your invention that will motivate this investment? And does your invention need to be refined more before it is perfected and ready for a complete patent application?

Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any queries regarding patent applications. We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the best routes and to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.

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Patent Applications

November 26, 2009
Patents

While it is important to register your new inventions in order to protect your intellectual property, there are a few basic requirements that an invention need to adhere to according to South African law before you can initiate patent applications.

All patent applications need to be:

• New: South Africa has a so-called “absolute” novelty requirement, which implies that any disclosure anywhere in the world before the filing date of a South African patent application will destroy the novelty of your invention, thereby forfeiting your patent rights.
• Inventive: Even if your invention is new, there may be other similar inventions that have been disclosed to the public in patent specifications or other literature. It needs to be determined whether your invention is considered obvious or not.
• Useful: Abstract inventions with no application in trade, industry or agriculture cannot be the subject of a patent in terms of South African patent law.

Contact Smit & Van Wyk Incorporated for any queries regarding patent applications. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.

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Patent Applications | CIPRO

September 28, 2009
Attorneys

Provisional patent applications are made to the CIPRO Offices in Pretoria. Applications must include forms P1, P2 and P6 and, if being made by an attorney or agent, P3.

It is important that the description of the specification that goes with form P6 is comprehensive and clear, and where applicable, detailed drawings must be attached, all on A4 pages.

Provided that the provisional patent application has been accepted, the applicant will receive a reference number in case he or she needs to make reference to the proposed patent.

Once approved the applicant then has 12 months in which to make a Complete Patent Application. This time limit is extendable for a small fee. It normally takes up to 6 months to have complete patent application accepted.

Patent Links

1. Gadget Invention Patent Application – Even before you take the gadget invention to another party for review and assistance, file the all important provisional patent application.
2. How to Patent Inventions – To protect your rights as an inventor you need to file patent applications for your inventions in each country, where protection is sought.
3. Protect your Invention – For public disclosure and protection of an invention, the inventor needs to apply for a patent.
4. Patent Application – Contact Request

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