Patent Law in International Trade

Patent law in international trade protects inventions by granting exclusive rights to inventors for a specified period, usually 20 years. This means that others cannot make, use, or sell the patented invention without permission. In an international context, countries often adhere to agreements like the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which sets minimum standards for patent protection. This helps ensure that inventors can profit from their innovations globally while encouraging trade and technology sharing. However, differing patent laws between countries can create challenges for businesses operating internationally.