Plato once said: “necessity is the mother of invention”. Do you have a great invention idea? Do you feel like you need to get it out there to the society? Before you go ahead and do this, you will need to make sure that your idea is protected. To protect the idea of your invention, there are a few steps you can follow with a patent. These steps are as follows:
– First of all, it is a good idea to write your invention idea down. Putting pen and paper together is easy. However, writing your idea down will require you to force yourself to come up with a definition for your invention. Be sure to break all of your ideas into its important elements. Consider the variations you can include but adding or changing to your invention idea. Once you have everything written down, you will then have this produced. This is only the first step in preparing a patent application for the invention idea you have come up with.
– Secondly, the next thing to do in a patent application is to do some searching. This searching will help you to decide whether or not your invention is an original and unique idea. Many inventors took the step by step approach of a patent application only to discover that there was a patent already on that idea. As a result of this, you could end up going broke. Legal actions may also be held against you. This step is often overlooked but must not be.
– Thirdly, you will need to decide whether or not you will go ahead and file a nonprovisional or provisional patent application.
– Provisional patent applications are very affordable. However, it may take a while for your invention to be approved.
– If a non provisional file is not filed within twelve months, then you will not be able to apply for a provisional patent application. Nonprovisional applications mean that more work is required. Patent application claims are set. They will provide you with the necessary legal rights for your invention.
– Step four requires you to decide if you will get a patent professional draft done of your invention idea. You also have the option to decide if you will go ahead and do it on your own. It is a better idea to have professional work done for your invention idea. This is because their work will be of high standard. They can also provide claims that individuals would otherwise miss out on.
– Last of all, your invention idea can be filed into the US Patent and Trademark office. Here they will give your application a thorough examination. Whilst this is occurring, you have the opportunity to exploit or sell your invention idea.
Applying for a patent application for your invention often makes a world of difference when it comes to protecting your idea. Do you really want somebody else to take your idea away from you and therefore taking credit for it? You never know, you could one day make history, just like Thomas Edison once did.
Sourced from: dugout
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