Patents

A patent provides security of intellectual property for a limited period.

[edit] What is a patent?

When a design is created for a unique, innovative or novel object, be it a labour-saving device, mechanical or electrical component or anything else that it is thought can be produced and sold in profitable quantities, the designer may apply for a patent.

A patent is a form of intellectual property protection. Once granted – usually for a limited period – the designer can exclude others from copying, making, importing and selling a similar item that closely resembles the original and is clearly derived from it.

A patent gives the designer certain rights under civic law to sue any party that has infringed the patent.

The UK patents office grants patents to inventions that:

• Can be made or used (e.g a new construction component).
• Are new.
• Are inventive and not just a simple modification to an existing design.

[edit] Things that cannot be patented

Certain types of invention cannot be patented, including:

• Literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works (including building designs).
• A way of doing business, playing a game or thinking.
• A method of medical treatment or diagnosis.
• A discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method.
• The way information is presented.
• Some computer programmes or mobile apps.
• ‘Essentially biological’ processes e.g cross-breeding plants, and plant or animal varieties.

Patents are generally expensive and difficult to obtain. In the UK, applications typically cost £4,000 and only 1 in 20 applications get a patent without professional help. The process is also long, usually taking five years.

Once granted, the costs can start to pile up: a patent must be renewed every year and there could also be legal costs to pay if a patent needs to be defended in court.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Building component.
• Concept design.
• Concept.
• Design coordination.
• Design management.
• Design methodology.
• Design principles.
• Detailed design.
• Intellectual property rights, copyright, patents, and trademarks.
• Manual drafting techniques.
• Mood board.
• Trade mark.
• Truth to materials.
• What is design?