To qualify as an invention, your innovation must be some kind of device, product or process which can be used in a practical activity. Things like decorative designs do not qualify (though they may be entitled to design protection or copyright), nor do discoveries, theories or ways of thinking or presenting information.
Secondly, your invention must be new. That is to say that you cannot patent anything which has already been publicly disclosed - for example, demonstrated or offered for sale. Additionally, you cannot patent anything which would be obvious to someone who is well informed and experienced in that area, or which is a trivial variation on existing inventions. Prior to applying for a patent, ensure that you provide other people with information about your invention only in strict confidence. (Most businesses use a 'non-disclosure agreement' for this purpose.)
