If you’re an inventor who is serious about delivering your invention to the world, and you want to secure your ability to get rich… you’re going to want to patent that invention.
If you’re not familiar with exactly what a patent is, we recommend that you do some research. But, in essence, a patent is a form of monopoly that is granted by the government for a specific amount of time. This period of time affords the inventor the ability to manufacture, market, and sell their invention. It protects your concept so that no one else can steal it from you for the allotted period of time.
The following eight steps outline the simplest path to patenting an invention…
- Conduct a Search
Conduct a search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for similar ideas. If your idea has already been patented, then it will be a huge waste of your time to try and patent it again. This is fairly common, so do your due diligence and utilize this helpful search engine created by the USPTO. Make sure that your idea is actually something that you can legitimately patent. - Finalize Patent Type
There are various types of patents that can be applied for. Do you require a Plant, Design, or Utility patent? For the uninitiated, the USPTO offers this helpful guide. Obviously, the type of patent that you are applying for will alter the process. - File Your Provisional Application
It is important to take a preemptive approach to your filing, as someone might be trying to beat you to the punch. The filing of a provisional patent application protects you from someone jumping in and claiming that they had the idea first. The patent law system prioritizes those who file first and those who invent first. Move quickly and decisively. - Register as an eFiler
The quickest and easiest way to file a patent is online. While it is possible to file a patent application by mail or even fax, the USPTO website simplifies the process. Start by registering as an eFiler and utilizing their resources to inform yourself on the in and outs of the application process. - Assemble Application Requirements
When submitting an application, a specification is required. Preparing this includes an abstract, background, summary, description, a conclusion, ramifications, and a scope. This process also requires that filers define the legal scope of the patent being filed. Being that this is a complex request, it is helpful to employ the expertise of a patent attorney. - Finalize Your Application
The patent application process takes two to three years on average, which makes it so important to be confident in your application. Review all of the gritty details of your application so that you can avoid rejection. Simple mistakes or errors can be resolved during a thorough review process. - Patent Your Idea
Every patent that is filed is assigned a patent examiner. All communication flows through this person, including any formal requests or correspondence. It is important to keep communication channels open with this individual and to respond in a timely manner. If you are quick to respond and receptive to their requests, the process will move faster. Patent attorneys are helpful here as well, as they communicate directly with your patent examiner and the USPTO.
Find an Attorney
A patent attorney will significantly simplify the patent application process. These attorneys bring years of experience to the table, which means they’ve likely seen countless successful and unsuccessful filings. These professionals will help you avoid mistakes and save money in the process.
Disclaimer:
Wherever any material is quoted as sourced from the published text with publishing rights vested in an individual, it is stated that it is a pure quotation and no intention to claim it as our own.
Avion Technology has worked with many businesses and entrepreneurs that have been through the patent application process and successfully registered a patent. We help digital agencies with white label programming and a hybrid approach that utilizes both Chicago-based and offshore talent.Learn more
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