Part 12/14:
Protecting Innovative Ideas: Practical Tips
File early: Protect your invention or creation as soon as possible.
Keep secrets: Use nondisclosure agreements and restrict access.
Avoid public disclosure: Publishing or sharing publicly before filing can destroy patent rights.
Assess patentability: Ensure your invention is novel, inventive, and useful.
Understand what qualifies: Not all features are patentable; simple modifications or obvious ideas are excluded.
Inventiveness and Utility: The Pillars of Patentability
In India, three criteria determine if an invention qualifies for protection:
Novelty: The invention must be new.
Non-Obviousness: It shouldn’t be an obvious modification by someone skilled in the field.