What is the right time to file an application for a patent?
When to file a patent application is a very important issue and needs to be considered from a strategic point of view. Patent protection ensures control and influence over the exploitation activities of other parties, in particular potential competitors on the target market. First of all, a patent prevents other parties from making copies and therefore safeguards the chance of successful commercialisation by the owner of the patented technology. In particular, if there are circumstances that give reason to fear or to expect copy exploitation by another party, then patent protection should be applied for as soon as possible. The question of preventing other parties from making copies will also be considered by potential business partners. If the intellectual property owner does not dispose of his own marketing and distribution channels, or of sufficient or any manufacturing capacity, it is likely that he will look for a business partnership or strategic alliance for exploitation purpose
