- EPO concludes working agreement on search co-operation with Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)
- EPO Form 1201 ("Entry into the European phase") discontinued as of 1 November 2023
- A celebration of Francophone Africa?s innovators
- Use of EPO learning resources increasing among Europe?s universities
- New dashboard reveals demand for Unitary Patents
- Growth in online services: over 7 000 using EPO Mailbox
Purpose of Patent Protection
A patent provides the owner the right to exclude others from
- manufacturing
- using
- selling
- offering for sale or
- holding the object of the invention for these purposes,
It may thus constitute a revenue opportunity by way of creating a monopoly and/or through licences granted to third parties.
Also, the patent helps in fighting counterfeit products/imports.
Furthermore, being part of the owner's assets it may contribute significantly to the owner's value (e.g. with the aim of attracting investors).