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Assuming the patent requirements in the EU are similar to the US, then the patent would indeed need to demonstrate that the "invention" is novel, ie hasn't been done before, and is not obvious.
However, unless the patent really is spurious (ie trying to patent the wheel), then with good lawyers (did I just say "good lawyer"?), then you should get your patent granted. After all, it's in the Patent Office to grant patents as they get a fee for doing so.
This of course does not mean the patent would stand up in court; however to overturn a patent may well require some expensive legal wrangling.
The main motivation in companies like MESA to acquire such patents is as a marketing tool to demonstrate what an innovative company they are.
In my previous existence working in biosciences, there was a massive explosion in patenting 15 years, the overwhelming majority of which were totally pointless (unless you are a patent lawyer). The motivating factor here was the perception of monetary value in having some unique IP, either within the context of a biotech company which you may be hoping to sell at a later date, or to aid your career within a University environment.
Regardless, the only winners are, as ever, the lawyers......
However, unless the patent really is spurious (ie trying to patent the wheel), then with good lawyers (did I just say "good lawyer"?), then you should get your patent granted. After all, it's in the Patent Office to grant patents as they get a fee for doing so.
This of course does not mean the patent would stand up in court; however to overturn a patent may well require some expensive legal wrangling.
The main motivation in companies like MESA to acquire such patents is as a marketing tool to demonstrate what an innovative company they are.
In my previous existence working in biosciences, there was a massive explosion in patenting 15 years, the overwhelming majority of which were totally pointless (unless you are a patent lawyer). The motivating factor here was the perception of monetary value in having some unique IP, either within the context of a biotech company which you may be hoping to sell at a later date, or to aid your career within a University environment.
Regardless, the only winners are, as ever, the lawyers......
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