An inventor has the right to place some or all revenues earned from the commercialization of an invention into a research fund. Even living organisms or other natural matter that is modified or isolated may qualify as patentable inventions. The strongest and most enforceable patents are composition of matter patents. It is important to note that intangible ideas or objectives are not patentable. A patent, if issued, is a commercial tool that provides the owner with the right to exclude others from practicing the patented invention.
Patents are expensive to obtain and maintain and can be difficult to enforce.
The decision on whether or not to file a patent application is strictly a business decision based primarily on the likelihood of obtaining commercially useful protection for the invention and of earning revenues from the eventual commercial exploitation of the invention. The market potential will ultimately define the likelihood of attracting a licensee willing to invest in developing and commercializing the invention. This will be defined by scope and breadth of claims which may ultimately be allowed in the patent application. Broad claims are the most valuable. Narrow claims can be easy to circumvent and difficult to practice and enforce, making it difficult to attract a licensee.