Improving your business
DeltaPatents offers a complete range of intellectual property services.
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Protecting your IP
Intellectual creativity often results in new artistic works, distinctive forms and surprising ways to solve problems. We advise on the most suitable IP right to protect the key aspects of each creation: patent, copyright, trademark, industrial design, domain name or trade secret. Protecting your IP brochure What is a patent? A patent protects a novel invention which solves a technical problem in an unpredictable way. It grants the owner the exclusive right to prevent others from commercially exploiting the invention. It does not automatically give the right to use the invention as some aspects may be protected by other patents. Why do I need a patent? Patents add value to your company by ensuring that the rights do not leave with the inventor. They may be used as security for a loan or investment, to promote the innovative nature of your products and services, or as a bargaining chip in any conflict with another IP owner. By asserting the right, you can protect your position in the value chain. Freedom to Operate, Infringement and Validity Studies A “freedom to operate” audit determines the risk that a future innovation will be hindered by existing patents. If such patents are detected, the infringement risk can also be evaluated. If infringement is a risk, the validity of the patent should be examined. Continue reading... Invention Evaluation and Searches Future success depends on developing and protecting new products and service. But patent protection should be limited to the most suitable and most valuable inventions. The chances of grant are further improved by a novelty search before filing. Continue reading... Patent Strategy and Portfolio Management Your patent strategy must be aligned with your business goals to avoid missed opportunities and unnecessary costs. It should consider the creation, maintenance and possible enforcement. Continue reading... |
Drafting, Filing and Prosecuting Patent Applications
A patent application must fully describe how to implement and use the invention - after filing, the technical content cannot be extended. During prosecution, patent office deadlines must be monitored, and their communications must be properly addressed. Continue reading... Oppositions and Appeals After grant, the European Patent Office (EPO) allows third parties to contest the validity of an inconvenient patent in a single, central court. Any further challenges must be performed before each national court. The EPO also handles appeals against decisions taken by them during grant and opposition proceedings. Continue reading... Licensing and Technology Transfer A well-drafted license agreement is the foundation of a successful licensing or technology transfer program. We assist in drafting and negotiating clear, effective and workable licensing agreements, helping deliver new sources of revenue. Continue reading... Enforcement and Litigation Support Patent rights can be powerful business tools to block competitors, and are increasingly the subject of legal disputes. You may wish act against a competitor who exploits your patented invention; a competitor may assert a patent against you; or a competitor may challenge the validity of your patent in court. Continue reading... IP Audits and Due Diligence The cost of maintaining patent rights increases significantly as the patent ages. Each patent office requires the regular payment of fees to keep the right valid, so patent owners perform audits regularly. By pruning deadwood from the portfolio, unnecessary costs can be avoided, and funds released for protecting new innovations. Continue reading... |