Legal Definitions - basic patent

A basic patent, also known as a pioneer patent, protects an invention that is truly groundbreaking and revolutionary. It introduces a completely new technology, process, or product that fundamentally changes an industry or creates an entirely new one. Because of its broad and innovative nature, a basic patent often opens the door for many subsequent inventions and improvements by others, who then build upon the original breakthrough.

• Example 1: The First Practical Smartphone

  Imagine a company securing a patent for the first device that seamlessly integrates a mobile phone, a web browser, and a multi-touch interface into a single handheld unit, fundamentally altering personal communication and computing. Before this, phones were primarily for calls, and internet access was typically on separate, less portable devices.

  This would be a basic patent because it wasn't just an incremental improvement on existing phones; it created an entirely new category of device. This invention paved the way for countless applications, accessories, and competing smartphone models that built upon its core functionality and design principles.

• Example 2: Revolutionary Gene-Editing Technology

  Consider a scenario where researchers secure a patent for a novel biological system that allows for precise, targeted editing of DNA sequences within living organisms, a capability that was previously impossible or extremely difficult to achieve. This new method offers unprecedented control over genetic material.

  This represents a basic patent because it introduced a fundamentally new method for genetic manipulation, opening up entirely new fields of research and therapeutic applications in medicine and agriculture that were not feasible before its invention. Subsequent patents would likely focus on specific applications or refinements of this core technology.

• Example 3: The First Commercially Viable Electric Car Battery

  Suppose an inventor obtains a patent for a revolutionary battery technology that provides electric vehicles with a range and charging speed comparable to gasoline cars, effectively overcoming the primary limitations of previous electric vehicle designs. This invention makes electric vehicles a practical and appealing option for the general public.

  This would be considered a basic patent because it addresses a core limitation in a completely new way, making electric vehicles a viable mainstream alternative. This breakthrough would likely spur a wave of innovation in related areas, such as charging infrastructure, motor design, and energy management systems, all building on the foundation of the new battery technology.