Computer Programs – Patentica

Ushering in a digital era imposes an additional strain on obtaining and enforcing intellectual property rights and brings IT-related and computer-implemented solutions to the forefront. While interfaces can be registered as industrial designs, devices, methods and systems are patentable as inventions, computer programs and databases can also be registrable, despite being protected under copyright.

Attorneys

Program codes for computers and mobile applications, website codes and databases are generally considered literary work and enjoy the same protection coverage as other copyright objects from the date of their creation during the author’s life plus an additional 70 years.

Some IT solutions are also patentable as computer implemented inventions if they have features that solve a particular technical problem or have a specific technical effect. You can learn more about patentable IT solutions in the Patents section (click here).

Another way to protect rights to a computer program is state registration of the code, upon which you receive a certificate that fixes details of the code, its programming language and purpose. Such registration is a formal, fast and relatively inexpensive procedure, available, for example, at the Russian PTO. A state certificate gives a number of advantages to the IP owners, such as:

Clear identification

To transfer software and databases protected by a patent, it will be sufficient to simply indicate the registration number

Authorship

The registration clearly certifies the owner(s) and the author(s), minimizing the risks of conflicts over authorship rights

Infringement

In case of violation of rights, it is practically easier to enforce a patented object than copyright and claim damages.

Certificate of Registration

It is easier to convince a counterfeiter that his actions are illegal, by presenting a Certificate of Registration

Benefits

It is much easier to claim damages in courts, as the certificate clearly identifies the program and indicates the date of registration: the two important issues for asserting the fact of infringement

Documents / Information we need

Names and addresses of applicant(s) and inventor(s);
Description of the computer program (year of creation, programming language, basic functions etc.);
Program’s source code;
Power of Attorney executed by the applicant.

If you have any questions or would like to obtain a quote, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@patentica.com