Patent Offices

Patent offices are governmental agencies responsible for reviewing and granting patents, which are legal rights that protect inventions and innovations. They examine whether an invention is new, inventive, and useful, ensuring creators have exclusive rights to benefit from their work for a limited time. By doing so, patent offices facilitate innovation, encourage investment in research, and maintain a public record of new technological advancements. Examples include the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). These organizations play a crucial role in fostering technological progress and protecting intellectual property rights globally.