A patent can be granted for various types of inventions. In order to obtain a patent, the invention must fulfil certain requirements. It must be new, i.e. it must not have been publicly known before the patent application was filed. In addition, the invention must stand out from existing knowledge and not be obvious. It should also be industrially applicable, must function technically and be capable of being manufactured or utilised industrially or commercially (including the agriculture sector).

A patent grants the owner a limited term of protection, which is normally 20 years from the filing date. During this period, the patent holder can prohibit others from using the protected invention and, if necessary, demand licence fees for its use.

Each country has its own patent laws and procedures. In addition, there are transnational patent agreements, e.g. Switzerland-Liechtenstein, Europe or PCT (worldwide).

PPR AG is familiar with all relevant national laws and regulations. We offer reliable advice, draft and defend patents. Together with international partners we also offer worldwide nullity proceedings and oppositions.

With extensive experience in physics and mechanics as well as optics and optoelectronics, electrical engineering, micromechanics and mechanical engineering, our in-house and external European patent and trade mark attorneys cover all technical fields.