What is a Patent?

A Patent is a right granted for a device, substance, methods or process that is new, inventive and useful when compared with what is already known, giving its holder (patentee) the power to prevent other persons from exploiting an invention without the patentee’s authorization.

Who can claim Ownership of a Patent?

The owner of a patent could be the inventor or his successor in title. Unless otherwise agreed, joint inventers have equal rights of ownership. For cases of employer-employee relationships, a contract regulates the ownership of the invention. If a contract does not exist, the patent rights belong to the employer. There are however some matters that by their very nature cannot be patented including:

• Discoveries, scientific theories and mathematical methods;
• Aesthetic creations;
• Schemes, rules and methods of performance;
• Inventions contrary to public order or morality.

How is a Patent Ownership established?

Patent ownership is recorded in the Registry of the Cyprus Patent Office. All transfers of ownerships must be recorded in the Cyprus Patent Office Registry by submitting the relevant applications and documents.

Patent Registration Procedure

The application for registration is filed in form P.9, where the following details should be contained:

• Request for the grant of a Patent.
• Name, address of the applicant, inventor and representative.
• Title of invention.
• Description of the invention.
• Claims.
• Drawings (if any).
• An abstract summarizing the description of the invention.

Our IP Department can offer a series of Patent related services, including:

• Filing and registration
• Litigation and revocation proceedings
• Validation of European Patents
• Dealing with patent issues arising within the context of corporate transactions
• Transfer and licensing of patented technology
• Advice on all related tax aspects
• Franchising and licensing
• Competition and agency law