Inventors, entrepreneurs in start-ups, patent engineers, developers, and managers will find in this book an overview as well as a practical introduction to industrial property rights. The focus is on the protection of technical inventions through patents. It answers typical questions of newcomers, such as the advantages of a patent and the requirements for a patentable invention. The book provides practical assistance in patent research and the commercialization of patents. Specific guidance on integrating patent law into the invention process and the marketing mix makes the book particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The second, updated, and expanded edition includes an important chapter on the protection of software.