A patent is a right granted for any device, substance, method or process, which is new, inventive and useful.

A patent is legally enforceable and gives the owner the exclusive right to commercially exploit the invention for the life of the patent. You have to apply for a patent in order to protect your invention, as it isn't automatically protected. All applications for patents are examined to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements for granting a patent.

There is also the option of applying for an innovation patent. An innovation patent is generally granted within one month and can give you legal ownership over your inventions.