Getting A Patent: 5 Steps To Filing Your Application For Your Invention
Do you have a wonderful product
or invention? Are you looking to hire an attorney to get that patent?
In the majority of cases, the answer’s no. Save yourself tons of money
and get the patent yourself.
There have been thousands of inventors who have traversed through the patent system waters successfully. According to federal law, patent examiners from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office must assist individual inventors get patents without an attorney’s help. How can you get a patent?
1 – Ensure the invention is qualified to get a patent.
2 – Discuss all parts of your invention.
There are no legal skills to contend with. Some steps are fairly simple while others are a bit difficult. However, with the process being taken one step at a time, you can get your patent.
5 Steps To Filing Your Patent Application
What are the five basic steps of filing a patent application; a process that doesn’t include a lawyer, judge or court?
1 – Carefully Record All Steps Of The Invention
Be sure you record all steps of your invention process, describing in detail all aspect and changes in the invention. You also need to write down how you came by the idea. Depending on what the invention is, you may need to build and test it out. Document everything. Sign and date every entry and have two trustworthy witnesses to sign too.
2 – Be Sure The Invention Qualifies For The Patent Protection
Your idea alone does not qualify for a patent. You need to demonstrate how it works and it should be new. Thus, it must be different but important from other inventions. It should not be on sale or known for more than one year before your patent protection application is filed.
3 – Determine What The Commercial Potential Is Of Your Invention
Applying for the patent is a professional decision. Remember, even without an attorney, you could still spend about $1,500 in fees to get the USPTO patent. Before you spend money and time on filing the application, be sure to research the market and if it’s worth the money you will spend.
4 – Conduct An In-Depth Patent Search
Ensure that your invention is new so do a thorough research into any early developments in the market. You’ll need to search both U.S. and international patents that relate to your inventions.
Bear in mind that this is a time consuming process. But, time can make sure it’s done quicker. If you choose to hire someone later on, you’ll know more about the invention. Do the research.
The Internet is the best place to start but don’t forget to visit the Patent and Trademark Depository Library. When you do your search, you’re going to find other inventions that are similar in nature to yours. You need to show how your developed invention is better than the earlier ones.
5 – Develop and File Your Patent Application
When you’re filing with the USPTO, you’ll do either the complete regular patent or the provisional patent applications. The provisional patent application allows you to claim a patent pending status with less work and cost than the regular patent application.
It’s $110 for individuals and $220 or big companies. You’ll need to provide them with an in-depth description of the invention, how it’s made and informal drawing. Within one year of the PPA filing, you need to file for the RPA. If not, you won’t be able to claim the PPA filing date.