Thus, if at the end of the twelve month term an invention shows potential, the applicant can lodge a complete application covering the invention which effectively enjoys the priority date or filing date of the provisional application. A complete specification must state the broad principles of the invention, and also must disclose in some detail the best method of performing the invention known to the applicant at the time of filing the complete application. The complete specification also includes a set of claims defining the monopoly claimed by the applicant. The drafting of both provisional and complete patent specifications requires specialised drafting skills and it is strongly recommended that the services of a patent attorney be retained to perform this function. The Role of a Patent Attorney Patent attorneys assist inventors and organisations in obtaining, maintaining and enforcing patents.
Patent attorneys prepare patent specifications which accompany patent applications.
A patent specification describes the invention and usually includes drawings illustrating the invention and claims defining the scope of the invention. It is possible for an inventor to write a patent specification and make an Australian patent application without using a patent attorney, but a patent specification is a very complex form of legal document. In most overseas countries, an Australian applicant cannot make a patent application without using a patent attorney. Some patent attorneys are also qualified barristers and solicitors. Examination of a standard patent application It is necessary to request examination of the application and pay a fee when directed to do so by the Commissioner of Patents.