Intellectual Property and Assessing its Financial Value

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Patents

Abstract: This chapter zooms in on patents as important intellectual

property rights. It describes what a patent is and why the patent

system exists. Differences between the United States and Europe

with regard to what types of patents – such as US utility, plant,

and design patents – exist are highlighted and exemplified. The

chapter further elaborates on inventorship, ownership, and possible

pathways to obtain a patent. A clear description of what content

should be part of a patent application and how claims – which

define the scope of protection – are constructed is also given. The

chapter covers what is and is not patentable, how ...