Important Tips to Help you Decide Whether you Should File a Patent Application

Inventors are not at the legal compulsion to register a patent in the UAE for their new inventions. However, registering a patent is essential if they want to protect their invention from infringers or exploit its commercial value. Patent registration agents in Dubai, UAE are in a better position to advise the inventors about the significance of safeguarding inventions through patent registration.

Many inventors, especially those running tech startups, may be inclined to avoid patent registration due to the costs and extensive documentation processes. Such inventors often regret their decision at a later stage when someone else patents a similar invention. It’s a critical moment when inventors decide whether or not to file a patent application. Instead of making a hasty decision, inventors must carry out an in-depth assessment before making any critical decision regarding patenting their invention.

Here are some tips for you to decide whether you should file a patent application:

1. Adopt a Structured Approach

You may come across a diverse range of sources that provide information on patent registration in the UAE. Some of the information may be right and others may be wrong or misleading. It’s tough for the inventors to verify the veracity of such information being circulated on various platforms. You need to carry out an assessment, for which patent agents in Dubai can help you. Instead of taking in every information, you need to adopt a structured approach in this matter.

2. Write down what you have developed

You need to have a clear perspective of what you have developed to decide whether you should patent your invention. Write down or type your ideas for the invention which you think might be innovative in some way. Try to build an organised system within your organisation for documenting and cataloguing the innovations developed by the company. Creating an intellectual property register, for instance, may be useful in this regard.

3. Assess which of your inventions are commercially viable

Assess whether the inventions could be commercially viable. If yes, consider who will benefit from the commercial viability of the invention. Is it you or another company you may partner with or another entity that you may license the invention to? Also, assess who might acquire your startup in the future.

4. Examine the scope of patent protection

Now it’s time for you to decide which inventions developed by your company are inventive and eligible for patent protection in the UAE or other jurisdictions. This assessment should not be carried out alone, but you may engage the services of patent registration agents in Dubai. Having legal assistance is critical as even inventors with prior experience filing patent applications may find it tough to accurately assess the scope of patent protection. Patent agents can also help you carry out a patent search on the database to accurately determine the patentability of your invention.

5. Determine if the invention is patentable in target markets

Inventors can determine whether their inventions infringe already registered patents. Companies with adequate resources typically carry out patent searches to avoid infringing the rights of a third party. However, there are some other categories for which getting patent protection is impossible. The categories of inventions that are not patentable vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In the UAE, for example, the following categories of inventions can’t be protected with a patent:

• Aesthetic creations
• A discovery, scientific theory or a mathematical method
• A scheme, rule or method for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business, or a computer program
• A presentation of information
• A procedure for surgical or therapeutic treatment, or diagnosis, to be practised on humans or animals

6. Consider the cost/time for the patent process

You need to consider the cost and time taken for the patent process before applying for patent registration in the UAE. If you want protection in the UAE only, a national application will suffice. If you are aiming for multiple jurisdictions, you need to file through Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The cost and time taken for the patent filing process drastically vary in each system. It’s better to consult with patent agents in Dubai for more clarity on the cost and time profile of patent applications.

7. Make a final decision 

Once you have carried out these assessments, it’s time to make a decision. Considering the immense benefits, it’s highly advisable to register your patents in the UAE. For this, you need to plan the necessary action with help of patent registration agents in Dubai, UAE.  By obtaining patent protection, you can prevent others from dealing in products or processes which fall within the scope of the patent. Safeguarding your invention with patent protection will help you to maintain a monopoly over the invention. Possessing patented inventions will minimise competition as it may encourage your competitors to deal with you rather than compete against you.

Hire the Services of Patent Registration Agents in Dubai, UAE

For any investor or tech startup, applying for patent registration in the UAE is a critical step to ensure IP protection for their inventions. However, the process may appear complex for you, increasing the chances for potential errors and non-compliance. Patent registration agents in Dubai such as Jitendra Intellectual Property (JIP) can guide you through the patenting process by offering bespoke services. JIP has a team of qualified patent agents in the UAE who are well-versed in the IP regime of the country.  Avail of our patent registration services in the UAE to protect your inventions and innovations.