Patent
A patent grants a time-limited exclusive right over a technical invention that is new, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable.
In Switzerland, patents protect technical inventions that satisfy requirements of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. The right allows the patent holder to prevent others from making, using, selling or importing the protected invention without authorization. Patent protection normally requires filing and examination through Swiss or international routes, and the scope is defined by the claims. Not all subject matter is patentable; exclusions and ethical limits apply. Patents are central in pharmaceuticals, engineering, medical technology and software-related inventions where a technical contribution is present.