Question

Intellectual property is protected through copyright, patent, and trade secret laws.

a. List any THREE (3) activities which can lead to the creation of patent rights.
b. List and briefly explain any TWO (2) items which cannot be patented.

Answer 1

Patent rights can be obtained through inventing, demonstrating utility, and proving novelty. Natural phenomena and abstract ideas cannot be patented.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) The following are three activities that can lead to the creation of patent rights:

1. Inventing: Coming up with a new and useful process, machine, composition of matter, or design.
2. Utility: Demonstrating that the invention has a practical and useful purpose.
3. Novelty: Showing that the invention is new and unique, not something that has been done before.

b) Two items that cannot be patented are:

• Natural Phenomena: Natural phenomena, such as laws of nature or scientific principles, cannot be patented because they are considered to be discoveries rather than inventions.
• Abstract Ideas: Abstract ideas, theories, mental processes, or mathematical formulas cannot be patented as they are considered to be fundamental concepts that are not eligible for patent protection.