Patent legal aspects and patent legislation

Understanding patent law is essential for anyone working with patent information. This course provides a structured overview of the legal foundations of patents, combining substantive and procedural patent law with practical international perspectives.

Participants gain insight into what a patent truly is: a territorial, time-limited negative right granted in exchange for disclosure. The course covers patentability requirements such as novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability, as well as priority, state of the art, enablement and claim interpretation. It also explains key procedural aspects, including filing strategies, PCT and European routes, examination, time limits and repair systems.

Special attention is given to international conventions, infringement, enforcement and exemptions, enabling information specialists to better understand the legal context behind patent documents and search results.

This module equips professionals with the legal knowledge needed to interpret patents correctly and to support strategic decision-making within an innovation-driven environment.

Target Audience

This module is designed for patent information specialists with one year or less of experience in conducting novelty or patentability searches. It is particularly suited for individuals who have recently entered the profession.

Course Content

This module will cover the following topics:

What are patents (from a legal point of view)?

What is required for patentability?

Novelty and priority
Inventive step
Other patentability requirements and exceptions
Formalities and repair mechanisms

International agreements

The most important patent systems

PCT
EPC
National systems

Patent infringement, enforcement, opposition and appeal

Study Load

Module 1,2 and 3 are concluded with a written exam (2.5 hrs)

Preparation

No formal preparation is required. However, participants are encouraged to:

Review the front page of a patent publication and consider the purpose of each section of information.
Familiarize themselves with the regions and countries most relevant to their organization’s business activities.