Patents
A patent is a monopoly right that provides you with the exclusive right to use your invention for a period of time — a valuable business asset that can be bought, sold, transferred, or licensed.
What is a Patent?
A patent is a monopoly right that provides you (the patentee) with the exclusive right to use your invention. A patent has a life of 15 years which may be extended for an additional 5 years subject to certain conditions. Like all industrial property, it is a valuable business asset which can be bought, sold, transferred, or licensed.
What Can Be Patented?
Patents may cover a wide range of inventions including:
New products and manufacturing processes
Improvements to existing products or processes
New methods, chemical compounds, and biotechnological matter
Electrical devices and computer technology
To be patentable, an invention must be:
Novel — not previously used, displayed, or published in Barbados or in any public document
Industrially applicable — able to be made or used in some kind of industry
Inventive — non-obvious and not merely a combination of existing products or processes
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You are not legally required to patent your invention before using it. However, patenting provides exclusive rights, allows you to take legal action against infringers, and deters others from infringing on your intellectual property.
CAIPO recommends searching existing patents and relevant publications before applying. Patent documents contain information on the latest innovations and help assess originality. You can visit the CAIPO office at Ground Floor, Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael to access Barbados and overseas patent information.
An application is filed at the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office, Ground Floor, Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael. The cost of an application is $2,500.
A patent has a life of 15 years from the date of filing. This may be extended for an additional 5 years subject to certain conditions.
No. Patent rights are territorial. However, registration in Barbados can be used to establish a “priority” date for a separate application made in a foreign country.
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