Basic Application

Basic application in the context of intellectual property (IP) law refers to the initial steps taken by an inventor or IP owner towards gaining the protection of their IP. 

This could be an application to protect a design, invention, trademark or similar. In Australia, this is most often linked with patent applications.

The Role Of A Basic Application

A basic application or provisional application serves to establish a priority date which is then used to determine the scope of rights and protection afforded to the IP. 

It is also used as a foundation upon which a more detailed application can be built once the appropriate paperwork has been obtained. 

In Australia, in the case of a provisional or basic application for a patent, there are 12 months with protection extended through further applications. The contents of your application remain secret and unpublished unless you opt to pursue the complete patent process.

Why File A Basic Application?

Not only does filing a provisional or basic application provide a measure of protection against infringement, but it also allows you to go public with your idea. 

This means you can begin to manufacture, use, sell and market the invention without negatively affecting your future patent rights. 

If you do this before making a basic application, you could be denied the rights to a patent in future and will have no legal rights over the IP in question.

The Importance Of Accuracy

While it is a basic or provisional application, accuracy is critical. You need to properly outline the definitions of coverage or claims you intend to have protection for. If you fail to adequately perform this step, your initial application could be invalidated if future applications do not align with it. 

An IP attorney can help you prepare a thorough basic application for the protection of your rights both now and in future.

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