{"id":30058,"date":"2023-07-20T14:11:02","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T12:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gsmart.wecode.swiss\/faq\/"},"modified":"2023-08-28T15:39:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T13:39:13","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-gsmart","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gsmart-ip.ch\/en\/frequently-asked-questions-gsmart\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=”40″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ back_color=”color-240233″ overlay_color=”color-240233″ overlay_alpha=”1″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ enable_bottom_divider=”default” bottom_divider_inv=”tilt” shape_bottom_invert=”yes” shape_bottom_h_use_pixel=”” shape_bottom_height=”150″ shape_bottom_color=”color-xsdn” shape_bottom_opacity=”100″ shape_bottom_index=”0″ shape_bottom_responsive=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”202972″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” shape_bottom_color_type=”uncode-palette” overlay_color_type=”uncode-palette” el_class=”animation-rotate-blue”][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”100″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”539160″ row_height_pixel=”150px” limit_content=””][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ css_animation=”left-t-right” animation_speed=”600″ width=”4\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”842417″][vc_icon position=”left” space_reduced=”yes” icon_image=”28873″ media_size=”30px” heading_semantic=”p” text_font=”font-555555″ text_size=”h6″ text_weight=”400″ uncode_shortcode_id=”103374″ title=”We answer your questions”][\/vc_icon][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”75″ position_horizontal=”left” position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ align_mobile=”align_left_mobile” mobile_width=”0″ css_animation=”left-t-right” animation_speed=”600″ width=”1\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”110439″][vc_separator sep_color=”color-xsdn” uncode_shortcode_id=”273760″ sep_color_type=”uncode-palette” el_width=”100px”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_right” gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”1″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ align_mobile=”align_right_mobile” mobile_width=”0″ css_animation=”right-t-left” animation_speed=”600″ width=”7\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”412800″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-xsdn” heading_semantic=”p” text_font=”font-425448″ text_size=”h1″ text_weight=”500″ uncode_shortcode_id=”781066″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n

Frequently asked
\nquestions<\/h1>\n

[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”5″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”204440″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” gutter_size=”3″ style=”light” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ css_animation=”bottom-t-top” animation_speed=”600″ width=”1\/1″ column_width_pixel=”900″ uncode_shortcode_id=”175287″][vc_tabs tab_hover=”yes” tab_switch=”yes” animation_active=”yes” tab_no_border=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”428228″][vc_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Patents” tab_id=”1555580081-1-41555679894762b32a-aac71689932574344″][vc_accordion sign=”plus” content_border=”yes” gutter_simple=”0″ active_tab=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”120157″][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What is a patent ?” tab_id=”d21d5937-3bb0-2155567891400115556795059521571-3f771689932468343168993257434416899329920631689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”127821″]A patent is a title that protects a technical innovation. An inventive product or process can be protected by a patent.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”132449″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP has engineers and European patent attorneys who can help you protect your inventions (drafting applications and defending your rights).<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Why patent your invention ?” tab_id=”6dad8f3c-7309-8155567891400115556795059521571-3f771689932468343168993257434416899329920631689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”590469″]A patent gives the holder an exclusive right to use an invention for 20 years. Patents demonstrate a company’s capacity for innovation, add value and make it easier to find investors.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”112466″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our teams will put in place a patent filing strategy that will enable you to promote and secure your invention in the best possible way.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Who can apply for a patent ?” tab_id=”9346230d-a835-9155567891400115556795059521571-3f771689932468343168993257434416899329920631689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”211494″]A patent may be filed in the name of one or more natural or legal persons. The applicant is the owner of the patent.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”132998″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our teams will take care of your patent filings and advise you on the filing strategy to adopt.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What is an invention ?” tab_id=”1555679162900-3-115556795059521571-3f771689932468343168993257434416899329920631689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”200326″]To be patentable, an invention must meet the following 3 criteria: novelty (no prior disclosure), inventive step and industrial application.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”207197″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP ensures that the 3 patentability criteria are met before proceeding with any application.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What are the steps involved in filing a patent application ?” tab_id=”1689933105290-4-101689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”968713″]Before any application is filed, the state of the art must be checked to ensure that the invention is patentable. Once this analysis has been carried out, the patent application can be drafted. The application can then be filed, bearing in mind the need to prevent any pre-filing disclosure.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”187805″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our engineers and European patent attorneys are here to protect your inventions, by drafting your patent applications in order to give you the best chance of having your invention granted.<\/strong>
\nso that you have every chance of your invention being granted.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Why conduct prior art searches ?” tab_id=”1689933169966-5-81689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”853475″]Prior art searches make it possible to identify, in the field of your invention, published patent literature and non-patent literature likely to describe features of your invention.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”151858″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our engineers carry out these prior art searches to ensure that your invention is inventive and to identify any potential risks of infringement of existing rights.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”How long is a patent valid for ?” tab_id=”1689933212919-6-81689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”194627″]The patent may be maintained in force for a maximum of 20 years. After this period, provided that the annual instalments are paid each year, the patent falls into the public domain, meaning that the invention it protected is no longer protected and can be freely exploited by anyone.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”309517″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP makes sure that your current patent annuities are paid on time and that your territorial designation strategy is in line with your needs.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”How do you monitor your patent ?” tab_id=”1689933240559-7-91689934819181″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”498040″]The best way to monitor innovations related to your company’s sector of activity is to set up a monitoring programme. This monitoring programme enables you to keep an eye on competitors or aspects related to your innovations. Setting up such a programme will enable you, in particular, to keep abreast of innovations developed by your competitors, so that you can be on the lookout for potential counterfeiters.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”132617″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP works with you to find out which competitors and\/or technical innovations you wish to monitor. We can also monitor your patent applications\/patents. Gsmart-IP can send you a report at the frequency and in the format you require.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][\/vc_accordion][\/vc_tab][vc_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Brands” tab_id=”1555580081-2-471555679894762b32a-aac71689932574344″][vc_accordion sign=”plus” content_border=”yes” gutter_simple=”0″ active_tab=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”110715″][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What is a brand ?” tab_id=”d21d5937-3bb0-2155567891400115556795059521571-3f77168993246834316899325743441689932992063″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”209408″]In intellectual property law, a trademark is defined as a “sign” used to distinguish the goods or services of a natural or legal person from those of other natural or legal persons. This “sign” may take the form of a word, a name, a slogan, a symbol, etc. or a combination of these elements.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”174445″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]At Gsmart-IP we work with you to define the nature of the sign to be registered in order to ensure the widest sphere of protection and the best chances of registering the trademark.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Why protect a brand ?” tab_id=”6dad8f3c-7309-8155567891400115556795059521571-3f77168993246834316899325743441689932992063″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”651839″]First come, first served! Registering a trademark gives its owner an exclusive right to its sign, in a given market, and therefore to distinguish itself from its competitors, to add value to its creations, to constitute a source of tangible income and to increase its credibility with third parties, in particular investors and customers.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”162535″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP will take care of registering your trademark in relation to your products and services, in your countries of interest.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Who can register a brand ?” tab_id=”9346230d-a835-9155567891400115556795059521571-3f77168993246834316899325743441689932992063″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”149420″]Any individual or legal entity (company, association, etc.).[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”187400″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our teams of trademark experts will help you to ensure that your trademark filing complies with the requirements in each of your countries of interest.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What can be protected as a brand ?” tab_id=”1555679162900-3-115556795059521571-3f77168993246834316899325743441689932992063″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”144149″]Among the criteria for validity, the trademark must first and foremost be distinctive (no banal or generic signs), it must be lawful and must not be misleading or contrary to accepted principles of morality.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”150239″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Our teams will advise you on the choice of your sign as a trade mark in order to limit refusals to register by the Offices.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”What steps need to be taken before filing a brand application?” tab_id=”1689933105290-4-10″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”889968″]Before registering a trademark, it is necessary to ensure that it is available, to determine the products and\/or services that will be offered by the trademark and to define the desired geographical coverage for the trademark.[\/vc_column_text][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”410008″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Gsmart-IP prepares specific and relevant product and service descriptions in line with your needs and activities and assists you in choosing your countries of interest.<\/strong>[\/uncode_list][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=”2″ column_padding=”2″ title=”Why conduct prior art searches ?” tab_id=”1689933169966-5-8″][uncode_list larger=”small” icon=”fa fa-arrow-right4″ icon_color=”color-240233″ uncode_shortcode_id=”895163″ icon_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Trademark clearance searches :<\/p>\n