Coming up with an idea for a new invention can be a highly rewarding process. Once you have a new invention or an idea for an invention, it is important to register the invention so that your ownership of the idea will be protected. This effectively prevents someone else from being able to steal your idea. You can pay an attorney thousands of dollars to help with your invention or you can register it yourself by following a few simple steps.
Materials
- Invention
- Internet Access
Solidify your idea for an invention and write a detailed description of your invention. Add drawings or technical diagrams if possible. This is the first transition of your invention from being an idea to being something tangible.
Step 2:
Perform a patent and trademark search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This can be performed for free online at the USPTO Web site (Found below under "Resources"). Think of keywords and keyword phrases that relate to your invention. Perform a patent search for those terms and then search through the results to see if anyone has already filed a patent on your idea. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 3:
File a patent on your invention. Return to the homepage of the USPTO Web site. Click "Patents" on the navigation menu. A new submenu will appear with options that relate to patents. Click the option that says "File Online in EFS-Web". Fill out the form to register your invention online.
Step 4:
Wait for your patent application to be reviewed. You will be assigned a review officer and there will be a window of time during which someone can file an opposition to your claim on the idea. If an objection is raised, the outcome will be determined by an independent arbitrator, otherwise the patent will be issued and your invention will be registered.
Tips:
The amount of the filing fee for a patent on an invention varies according to specific patent classifications. Most people pay around $300 to patent their idea.
References:
Resources:
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I think there be useful to perform a patent search before creating an application documents. And search not only in the US database, because, if invention has already protected in, for example, Europe, then you can't patent it in US.
ReplyDeleteBetter to change step 1 into step 2.
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Dmitry Platonov, Project Manager
IDlect Patent Agency