Patent FAQs
- What is a patent?
A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor that gives them exclusive rights to their invention (technical solution) for a limited time, in exchange for disclosing it. - What kinds of inventions can be patented?
Inventions that are novel, non-obvious (inventive), and industrially applicable. These may include mechanical devices, chemical compositions, methods, or technology innovations. - Do I need to perform a patent search before filing?
Yes — ATB Legal conducts novelty, prior-art, and freedom-to-operate searches to evaluate patentability and identify risks. - How do I file a patent in the UAE?
ATB Legal prepares the specification, claims, and drawings, then files with the UAE Ministry of Economy. - Can I file for patent protection internationally?
Yes — ATB Legal helps with international filings, such as via the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) or Paris Convention route. - How long does a patent last?
The patent term depends on the jurisdiction (typically 20 years from the filing date for many countries), but you need to pay maintenance fees to keep it alive. - What is patent prosecution?
Patent prosecution is the process of dealing with the patent office after filing — responding to examination reports, objections, and amendments. ATB Legal handles all correspondence. - Can ATB Legal help with patent licensing?
Yes — they draft licensing, assignment, and R&D collaboration agreements to help monetize or transfer patent rights. - What is “freedom-to-operate”?
A freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis determines whether your product or process may infringe any existing patents; ATB Legal performs these analyses. - What is a novelty search?
A novelty search checks if your invention is truly new by comparison with existing patents, publications, and other public disclosures. ATB Legal provides this service. - Can ATB Legal enforce my patent if someone infringes?
Yes — they support enforcement actions, draft cease-and-desist letters, and represent you in litigation or administrative proceedings. - What is a patent assignment?
A patent assignment transfers ownership of a patent from one party to another. ATB Legal can draft and register these agreements. - Why would I do a PCT filing?
The PCT system allows you to seek patent protection in multiple countries with a unified initial application, delaying national phase filings. ATB Legal assists with PCT strategy. - What costs are involved in obtaining a patent?
Costs typically include search fees, drafting fees, filing fees, examination fees, and maintenance fees. ATB Legal can provide a budget estimate based on your jurisdiction. - How do I transfer my patent rights?
Through assignment or licensing agreements. ATB Legal drafts and manages those agreements. - How do I commercialize my patent?
Through licensing agreements, joint ventures, or technology transfer deals. ATB Legal helps with both contractual and legal aspects. - What are patent enforcement options?
Legal actions include cease‑and‑desist warnings, litigation in courts, or administrative proceedings before patent offices. - What is “prior art”?
Prior art includes all public information (patents, publications, products) that may affect the novelty or inventive step of your invention; analyzed during patent searches. - Can ATB Legal assist with R&D collaboration agreements?
Yes — they draft and negotiate research & development collaboration agreements, joint ownership, and licensing terms. - Why choose ATB Legal for patent services?
- Deep technical and legal expertise.
- Full support: search, drafting, filing, prosecution, licensing, enforcement.
- International reach (UAE, PCT, other major jurisdictions).
- Client-focused, commercially aligned strategies.