The 5 important requirements for an invention to be patentable

Written by Mike Biagio on 23 January 2023

In order for a new invention to be eligible for a patent and patentable, it must meet certain requirements set out by various patent offices around the world. These requirements for patentability include:

  • Novelty: The invention must be new and not obvious to someone with ordinary skill in the field. This means that the invention cannot have been previously disclosed or made available to the public before the patent application is filed.
  • Non-obviousness: The invention cannot be obvious to someone with ordinary skill in the field. This means that the invention must be more than a minor variation on existing technology or a combination of existing ideas.
  • Utility: The invention must have a practical use or application. This means that the invention must be useful in some way and not simply a theoretical concept.
  • Enablement: The patent application must provide enough detail and information to enable someone with ordinary skill in the field to make and use the invention. This means that the patent application must include sufficient technical details and drawings to explain how the invention works.
  • Best mode: The patent application must include a description of the best mode of carrying out the invention that the inventor knows of at the time of filing. This means that the patent application must include a description of the best way to make and use the invention, to the extent that the inventor knows of it.

In addition, an invention must be of a type that is eligible for a patent. Ineligible types of inventions include laws of nature, mathematical algorithms, physical phenomena, abstract ideas and concepts, schemes and anything that is considered offensive, immoral or contrary to public policy.

Patentable inventions can include:

  • Processes 
  • Apparatuses
  • Machines 
  • Systems
  • Compounds or compositions of matter
  • Improvements to any of the above
  • Plants
  • Some types of computer software

Finally, the invention must not have been described in a printed publication, been in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the patent application. If the inventor or their successors makes such a public disclosure or commercial use of their own invention, they can destroy the novelty of their own invention. This is why it is important to speak to a patent attorney before doing this.  If you have already done this, we can still get protection for the invention in countries that have “grace period” provisions. These countries set out grace periods (typically 12 months) for filing into their countries if the inventor has made such a disclosure or public use, during which the actions of the inventor are not taken into account as prior art. 

It is important to note that obtaining a patent is a complex process and can be costly. A discussion on the patent process can be found here. We recommend that inventors seek the assistance of a patent attorney or agent to help navigate the process and ensure that their invention meets all of the necessary requirements for patentability.

Book a Consultation With a Patent Attorney

ip guardians director - The 5 important requirements for an invention to be patentable - IP Guardian Pty Ltd

Book a Free Consultation

We love our clients, so feel free to book a time to discuss your needs. The consultation is obligation and cost free!
Book nowContact Us

Related Posts

chevron-down