Protect technical inventions before disclosure and align claims, filing routes and target markets.
Before disclosure
A public presentation can destroy novelty. Address confidentiality and filing strategy before a trade fair, pitch or publication. The invention must be disclosed sufficiently for a skilled person to carry it out; a business idea or a statement of the problem is not enough.
German, European and PCT applications
DPMA, EPO and PCT applications serve different purposes. A PCT application does not result in a world patent. It initially combines procedural steps and gives time to decide on national or regional phases. Priorities, countries, translations and fees must be coordinated.
Claims and examination
Claims define the scope of protection. The description, drawings and alternatives must support later amendments. Examination addresses novelty, inventive step and other requirements. Bring a technical description, drawings, known prior art, contributor details and a chronology of disclosures. Patentability and freedom to operate are separate questions.
Official sources
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