An invention is a novel idea which permits in practice the solution of a specific problem in the field of technology. It is estimated that the number of patents granted worldwide in 1995 was about 710,000. Furthermore, it is estimated that at the end of 1995 about 3.7 million patents were in force in the world. Marks A mark is a sign, or a combination of signs, capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings. The sign may also consist of combinations of any of the foregoing.
Registration is made in respect of specified goods or services.
If a mark is registered, then no person or enterprise other than its owner may use it for goods or services identical with or similar to those for which the mark is registered. Any unauthorized use of a sign similar to the protected mark is also prohibited, if such use may lead to confusion in the minds of the public. An industrial design is the ornamental aspect of a useful article. Protection of an industrial design means that third parties not having the consent of the owner of the protected industrial design may not make, sell or import articles bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design, when such acts are undertaken for commercial purposes. About 1.35 million industrial design registrations were in force at the end of that year.