Who can apply for a patent?

It is only the inventor himself who can apply for a patent or any other person or entity who has acquired the right to apply from the inventor.
A patent may be applied for jointly by th inventor and/or such other person/s.

What is a patentable invention?

An invention, (which may include an article, an apparatus, a product, a device, a process, or a method) is patentable, if it is new, inventive and useful.

What is not patentable?

The law states that anything which consists of:

• a discovery;
• a scientific theory;
• a mathematical method;
• a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work.
• a program for a computer; or
• the presentation of information;
  shall not be an invention.

Who owns an invention created in the workplace?

Where an invention is made in the course of employment, the right to the patent(s) in the invention is vested in the employer.

What is the duration of patent protection?

A patent lasts for a maximum period of 10 years from the date of filing of the complete application.