Modifying A Patent Afterwards

[madison86]

If someone invents something and files a patent and it is approved. Later he discovers some improvements to his invention. Can he modify his patents to include the modifications he found later? If yes, how can he do that? Are there any deadlines for modifications of patents? Please tell me any details you find relevant. Thank you very much.

[Haggiah]

No, it is not possible to modify a granted patent.

If you discover an improvement later, you can file a new patent application.

It depends on the law of your country if that new application can be granted. Some countries allow "amended" patents or "continuations in part", with special rules. I am not familiar with that system in detail, because in Europe it is not known.

In most countries a new patent application is being examined as any other application, and the first one can even prevent the second one to be granted, because of lack of novelty.

Hope this answers your question.

Rene Hasekamp