Protect5 min read

Patent basics, and when not to bother

What a patent protects, what it costs, and why most early startups shouldn't spend money on one yet.

A patent gives you the right to stop others from using your invention for up to 20 years, in the countries where it's granted. In exchange, you publish how it works. It's powerful, slow and expensive.

What can be patented

Read the full guide with a free accountAll guides and country guides are free for Foundmates members. It takes 2 minutes, with Google or email and no password.
Read next
Next guideChoosing a company type

General information, not legal, tax or investment advice.