Protect

Our Patents

Have you recently designed an innovative product or process and wish to protect it?
Whether it is a material object or a manufacturing process, it is strongly recommended you patent your invention. Here is what you need to know about filing a patent.

The advantage of filing a patent is that it will allow you to secure a monopoly over the use of your invention. This means that only you can use the invention for a maximum of twenty years. However, you will be subject to an obligation to use it. For reasons of technical progress, you must use your invention, otherwise you will lose your monopoly.

Furthermore, filing a patent also certifies the date of creation of your invention, which can thus be used as proof of anteriority in the event of a dispute. If you are unable to file a patent straight away, you can date the creation of your invention by using a Soleau envelope. In this way, if somebody files a patent before you do, you will still be able to manufacture and market your invention.

Software, mobile applications, databases, websites, and strategic data

If you wish to protect them, we can assist you in your application to the Agence pour la Protection des Programmes (APP) (Agency for the Protection of Programs).

Filing with the APP allows you to have a digital creation entered in the international IDDN register – of which the APP is the exclusive keeper – date it, and archive a sealed or encrypted copy with the APP. The APP acts as a trusted third party. APP applications are only intended for professional digital creations (software, mobile applications, databases, websites, etc.).

In need of help?
Are you a CYU researcher wishing to file a patent?
Complete the Déclaration d’Invention (Invention Statement) and contact us: isabelle.hoefkens@cyu.fr 
 

For more information:
- Filing a national patent: Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle
- Filing a European patent: European Patent Office