2. What is an "invention" for patent purposes?

While invention is defined as "the act of imagining, inventing or creating something new" (cf. definition Larousse ), it is much stricter in the patent sense. This is why, before applying for a patent, you need to make sure that the invention in question falls within the scope of this definition, or risk having your application rejected.

Not all "ideas and creations" can be patented. To obtain a patent, the invention must meet three distinct and cumulative criteria:

• be new ;

• involve inventive activity;

• be suitable for industrial applications.

In addition, certain express exclusions may apply, depending on the competent office....