Home » Blog » Limitations of patenting natural ingredients

Limitations of patenting natural ingredients

To get a patent on natural ingredients, there has to be some novelty and industrial utility in it. Natural ingredients alone cannot be patented.

Mathematical formulas and scientific theories

Reasons for rejection of patents for mathematical and scientific theories:
Mathematical formulas and scientific theories cannot be patented because they are universal truths. Their patenting may hinder the development of science.

Patenting software and algorithms:
Patenting software and algorithms is very controversial. Some countries grant patents on them while others do not. Algorithms are just mathematical formulas, so there are many restrictions in their patenting.

Traditional knowledge and cultural heritage

Traditional medicinal knowledge and its protection:
Traditional knowledge is a collective property and should not be monopolized by any individual. This makes it difficult to patent traditional medicinal knowledge.

Cultural heritage and its protection issues:
Cultural heritage is the value of a society or culture and no one should have a monopoly on it. Therefore, patents on cultural heritage are not granted.

Other restrictions

Inventions in the research stage:
Patents are not granted for inventions in the research stage. The invention must be fully proven and have industrial application.

Things that are in the public domain:
Anything that is in the public domain is not patentable. This includes previously published research, known processes.

Patent application process and required documents

It is very important to explain the patent application process and the required documents as this makes it easier to understand the entire process of obtaining a patent.

How to apply for a patent?

Patent Application Procedure:
To apply for a patent, first the details of the invention and its samples need to be prepared. After that, the application process has to be started. While applying, the inventor has to provide all the necessary information to the patent office.

For more information, see – Forms required for various types of patent applications .

How to check the status of a patent application? To check
the status of a patent application, you can go to the Patent Office website and get information through the application number. This will give you information about the status of the application.

Documents required to obtain a patent

Scroll to Top