A patent for an invention can only be granted if it contains an technological innovation step. This means that the invention should have something seen as invention by someone who is skilled in that area of technology.

Levels of inventiveness

There are five levels of inventiveness. SMART: SCOTLAND applications should lie between levels 3 and 4.

Level 1
Routine design problems solved by methods well know within the speciality area – usually no invention needed, for example the use of charcoal for writing.

Level 2
Minor improvements to an existing system using methods known within the industry, for example a charcoal pencil.

Level 3
Fundamental improvement to an existing system using methods known outside the industry, for example an ink pen (rather than charcoal).

Level 4
New generation of a system that entails a new principle for performing the system’s primary functions – solutions more often found in science than technology, for example a printer (new system of writing).

Level 5
A rare scientific discovery or pioneering invention of an essentially new system, for example the electronic pen and paper.

How to apply for a SMART: SCOTLAND grant