A patent is a right that the state grants to the person or entity that creates a new technology or product, capable of being exploited commercially for a limited period of time, in exchange for giving the invention. This concession granted by the state makes it possible to exclusively exploit an invention.
This right gives the patent holder to prevent other people from using the patented product or technology; since only the owner of the same can make use of it or authorize third parties to do so. The time that the state grants for a patent is 20 years, once that term has expired, any other person can use the invention without the need for an authorization from its creator, by then the invention will be for public use.
It should be remembered that the holder of a patent does not necessarily have to be a single person, they can be several, even people from abroad, they can also be combined legal persons or in the way that is established in the application.
Among the advantages that a patent offers are: it boosts the inventor's creativity. If this patent achieves the expected success either commercially or level industrial, creator favors with the desired operating licenses grant third parties. Prevents the theft of inventions. At the governmental level, the state encourages the creation of new inventions, which can then be applied in industries, promoting their development.
It can be said that one of the few disadvantages that the use of patents has is the emergence of monopoly-type impediments that hinder free competition.
It is important to highlight those things that cannot be patented, some are: human anatomy, the breed of animals, any biological material found in the environment, animal and plant diversity.
