While certain subject matter disclosed in patent documents is covered by exclusive rights granted to patent holders, much of the information disclosed in patent documents is in the public domain and can be used freely to develop and bring new products and services to the market.

WIPO has developed two practical guides designed to help researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs to effectively identify and use this information in the public domain. The guides include easy-to-follow training modules, checklists, teaching examples and other useful tools and resources designed in particular with the challenges faced in developing and least developed countries in mind.

Find more information about the guides and how to download the guides by clicking here.