Patent for Industrial Invention

Have you developed an innovative idea — such as a product or a production process — that does not yet exist on the market? A patent for industrial invention is the legal instrument that allows you to protect your idea, preventing others from copying, producing or selling it without your authorisation.

Studio Ing. Flavia Benetazzo supports you at every stage of the patenting process, from the initial assessment of the idea through to filing and patent management, with offices in Osimo (Ancona), Bologna, Pesaro, Perugia and Lanciano.

What is a patent for industrial invention?

A patent for industrial invention is an exclusive title that grants the holder the right to exploit the invention for a maximum period of 20 years from the filing date of the application. In exchange for this exclusivity, the invention is made public, contributing to technical and scientific progress.

To be patentable, an invention must satisfy three fundamental requirements:

Novelty: the invention must not already be known to the public anywhere in the world prior to the filing date.
Inventive step: the invention must not be obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Industrial applicability: the invention must be capable of being produced or used in an industrial sector.

What can be patented?

Inventions in the mechanical, electronic, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and many other fields can be patented. In general, the following are patentable:

New products or devices
New production processes or methods
New materials or chemical compositions

Scientific discoveries, mathematical theories, intellectual or commercial methods as such, plant varieties or animal breeds, and therapeutic or surgical methods are not patentable.

How the patenting process works

The patenting process is structured in defined stages, which Studio Benetazzo manages entirely on the client’s behalf:

1. Invention analysis and patentability assessment The first step is an in-depth consultation to understand the invention in its technical aspects. We assess together whether the patentability requirements are met and define the most effective protection strategy.

2. Drafting the patent application A patent application is a complex technical and legal document. Drafting the claims — the part that defines the scope of protection — requires specific expertise. Studio Benetazzo drafts the application to maximise the protection the patent provides.

3. Filing with the UIBM We file the patent application with the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (UIBM). From the moment of filing, the invention is provisionally protected in Italy.

4. Examination and grant The patent office examines the application. We handle all communications with the office on your behalf, including any responses to objections and necessary amendments, through to the eventual grant of the patent.

5. International extension (if required) If the invention has a market abroad, we can extend protection to the countries of interest through direct national procedures, via the European patent (EPO) or via an international procedure (PCT). Ing. Flavia Benetazzo is an accredited representative before the European Patent Office.

How long does protection last and what does it cost?

An Italian patent has a maximum duration of 20 years from filing, provided that annual maintenance fees are paid. The patent does not renew automatically: without payment of the annual fees, it lapses early.

Costs vary depending on the complexity of the invention, the number of claims and any international extension. Studio Benetazzo always provides a clear and transparent quote before beginning any work.

Why rely on a specialist firm?

Drafting an effective patent application is not a DIY activity. A poorly drafted application can result in a weak patent, easily circumvented by competitors, or even an invalid one. A patent consultant:

Drafts the claims to protect your invention to the maximum extent
Avoids procedural errors that could invalidate the application
Manages relations with the UIBM and other offices
Advises you on the best patent strategy for your situation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quanto tempo ci vuole per ottenere un brevetto in Italia?

How long does it take to obtain a patent in Italy? On average, the Italian patent grant procedure takes approximately 2 years from submission of the application. From the filing date, however, it is already possible to disclose the invention.

Can I use the wording “patent pending”? Yes. From the filing date you may indicate that the patent application is under examination.

If I file in Italy, am I protected abroad as well? No. An Italian patent protects only in Italy. To protect the invention abroad it is necessary to file separately a foreign application, a European patent application (EPO) or an international application (PCT).