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How do you know if you have come up with something that needs a patent? Does it have to be really original or just a new way of doing something that already exists on the market?

Meet The Experts

How do you know if you have come up with something that needs a patent? Does it have to be really original or just a new way of doing something that already exists on the market?

In order to be granted a patent, an invention has to be novel. This means that it is not currently known to the public (ie not on the market, not already patented, etc). It must also not be an obvious modification of what is already available.

What is a patentable invention?

Patentable inventions range from world-changing new products and technologies like the microchip or an environmentally friendly hybrid car engine, to small improvements on products and better ways of doing something which already exists, like the proverbial better mousetrap or the latest tamper-proof seal you have to struggle with to open the milk carton.

All around us we see small incremental improvements on products, which solve a technical problem in a clever way, and any such improvement is potentially a patentable invention.

A patent that fills a technological gap or market niche

If it solves a technical problem, if it is not already known and is not clearly obvious, then it is worth considering applying for a patent to stop others from taking the benefit of your ingenuity.

Answered by

David Brophy

Useful Links

Business
1. Business and Leadership
  Ireland's leading online source for breaking business news from Ireland and the world; plus analysis, features and interviews with the decision makers and thought leaders.
2. Companies Registration Office
  The Companies Registration Office is the central repository of public statutory information on Irish companies and business names.
3. Endeavour
  Endeavour is an intensive global launch pad for entrepreneurs. It is targeted at ambitious, high achievers who are totally focused on changing the business space they are about to enter. They need not necessarily have been in business up to now, but will have proven themselves as achievers in their career or some other aspect of their lives.
4. Irish Franchise Association
  The Irish Franchise Association promotes the development of franchising in Ireland through exhibitions, seminars, newsletters, awards and networking.
5. Irish Internet Association
  Established in 1997, the Irish Internet Association (IIA) is the professional body for those conducting business via the internet from Ireland. The IIA provides leadership to enterprises and society conducting business in Ireland.
6. Irish Patents Office
  The Patents Office provides an efficient and effective system of industrial property protection through the implementation of the relevant legislation.
7. Revenue Commissioners
  Provides information on Irish tax and customs.
8. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
  Social Entrepreneurs Ireland aims to encourage and support the development of social entrepreneurship in Ireland. Its mission is to promote social entrepreneurship by fostering the early stage development of a new generation of social entrepreneurs and by actively working in conjunction with the business, third level, public and voluntary sectors to support the development of a new social entrepreneurship movement. 
Education
1. FÁS
  Ireland's national training and employment authority
2. M50 Enterprise Programme
  The M50 Enterprise Programme is an enterprise support programme provided in partnership by four higher-education institutions located in the M50 economic corridor.
Funding
1. AIB Business Banking
  Details of AIB's business start-up package.
2. City and County Enterprise Boards
  CEBs provide direct grant support to new and existing enterprises and promote entrepreneurship, capacity building and women-in-business at local level.
Networking
1. Plato Ireland
  Plato Ireland is a confidential business support forum for owner managers of SMEs.
Support
1. BASIS - Business Access to State Information and Services
  This website has been developed in order to provide business with a single access point to all government information and services.
2. Enterprise Ireland
  Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector.
3. InterTradeIreland
  InterTradeIreland has been given responsibility by both governments to boost North/South economic co-operation to the mutual benefit of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
4. Shannon Development
  A government-owned regional development company dedicated to promoting and developing the Shannon Region.
5. Synergy Centre
  Synergy Centre at ITT Dublin is the innovation centre of South Dublin County, providing office space and business supports to early-stage enterprises.
6. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
  The Irish state-sponsored body with responsibility for securing safety, health and welfare at work.
7. Údarás na Gaeltachta
  Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht.
8. Young Entrepreneur Programme and Awards
  The Young Entrepreneur Programme is dedicated to illustrating the validity of entrepreneurship as a career choice, helping to identify, inform, recognise and celebrate Kerry’s next generation of business leaders - and their educators.
Technology
1. Digital 21
  Digital 21 is a campaign to highlight the imperative of creating an action programme to secure the digital infrastructure and services upon which the success of the Irish economy depends.
2. Gadget Republic
  A great guide to all the latest gadgets and gizmos!
3. Silicon Republic
  Ireland's technology news service, winner of ‘Best Technology Website’ Award at the Realex Irish Web Awards 2009
4. Tibus
  eBusiness solutions provider encompassing web design, web app development, networks infrastructure, hosting and broadband provision.

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Bizstartup.ie - How do you know if you have come up with something that needs a patent? Does it have to be really original or just a new way of doing something that already exists on the market?

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How do you know if you have come up with something that needs a patent? Does it have to be really original or just a new way of doing something that already exists on the market?

Meet The Experts

What is a patentable invention?

A patent that fills a technological gap or market niche

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