PROCESS PATENT Meaning and
Definition
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A process patent is a type of patent that specifically protects a new and unique method or process of doing something. It is a legal right granted to an individual or a company for the exclusive control and commercial exploitation of a novel and non-obvious manufacturing, production, or technical process.
A key feature of a process patent is the emphasis on the specific steps or procedures involved in carrying out a particular task or achieving a desired result. This can include a wide range of activities, such as methods of manufacturing a product, improving an existing process, or developing a new way of performing a task. The focus of a process patent is on the process itself, rather than the specific end product or outcome.
In order to be granted a process patent, the proposed method or process must meet certain criteria set by the patent laws of a particular country. These criteria typically include novelty, non-obviousness, and industrial applicability. Novelty means that the process has not been previously disclosed or used in a public manner. Non-obviousness refers to the requirement that the process cannot be obvious to someone with average knowledge or skill in the relevant field. Industrial applicability ensures that the process can be utilized in a practical and useful manner within an industry or technological field.
A process patent grants the patent holder the exclusive right to use, sell, or license the process for a limited period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. This exclusivity provides the patent holder with a competitive advantage over others in the market, as they have the sole right to exploit the specific process covered by the patent.
Etymology of PROCESS PATENT
The term "process patent" has its etymology rooted in the Latin language.
The word "process" is derived from the Latin word "processus", which means "proceeding, advance, progress". It comprises the combining forms "pro-", meaning "forward", and "cedere", meaning "to go". It refers to the act or method of proceeding or moving forward in a particular course or direction.
The term "patent" also has a Latin origin, stemming from the Latin word "patentem", which means "opening, lying open, accessible". It originated from the verb "patere", meaning "to be open" or "to lie open". In the context of intellectual property, a patent refers to a legal grant or exclusive right given to an inventor to protect their invention.
