Chapter 9 - Interlectual Property

Question 1

What are patents applicable to?

Answer 1

Protects inventions, the functional aspects

Covers functionality, operation, manufacture or material

Question 2

The 4 criteria for patentability?

Answer 2

Novelty- the combination of combined features cannot be found elsewhere in a single document

Inventive step- not obvious to a person of ordinary skill experienced in the technology

Capable of industrial action- able to be manufactured and useful

Not an excluded category- not a discovery scientific theory, plant variety

Question 3

Advantages and disadvantages of patents

Answer 3

Advantages - protects idea from being copied by others
Possible commercial gain
Assists partnerships to develop

Disadvantages 
Cost of protection 
Time consuming 
Complex process
Must reveal info / know how 
Possible litigation from other ip owners in field