The innovative journey of an inventor springs from a seed of an idea to a fully-realized, tangible product. Along this journey, it’s crucial to legally protect your unique invention from being duplicated. That’s where patenting comes into play. Obtaining a patent secures your unique idea and prevents others from making, using, or selling the same invention. Let’s explore how to patent a new invention and the steps you need to take to protect your idea.
Verify the Novelty
Before initiating the patent application process, it’s important to check whether your invention is unique. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) only grants patents for new, non-obvious inventions. You can conduct a preliminary patent search using databases like Google Patents or the USPTO’s online database.
Prepare a Detailed Description
Next, create a thorough written document detailing your invention. Make sure your description is comprehensive; it should include the purpose, design, build and functionality of your invention. Accurate, clear drawings or prototypes can reinforce your detailed description.
Choose Your Patent Type
There are three main types of patents: Utility patents (for new machines, processes, or other useful inventions), Design patents (for new, original design of a manufactured item), and Plant patents (for new varieties of plants). Determine which patent type best applies to your invention.
File a Patent Application
You can choose to file a provisional or a non-provisional application. A provisional patent is easier, quicker, and less expensive, acting as a place-holder to give you a ‘patent pending’ status. However, you will still need to file a non-provisional patent within one year to obtain full patent rights.
USPTO Review
Once your application is submitted, the USPTO will undertake a detailed review. This can often be a lengthy process. If your application is rejected, the USPTO will provide the reasons, and you will have the opportunity to correct and resubmit it.
How InventHelp Can Assist
The complexities involved in the patenting process can feel overwhelming. This is where InventHelp can step in to guide your journey. InventHelp is a leading inventor service company with over 30 years of experience supporting inventors.
Professional Assistance: InventHelp can assist you in preparing and file your patent application.
Patent Search: InventHelp can aid in conducting a patent search to ensure your invention is novel. This is a critical step in the patenting process, and expert assistance can prove extremely beneficial.
Application Submission: The patent application process involves not only significant documentation but also legal language and presentation norms that a novice inventor may not be familiar with. InventHelp can help you prepare a professional-looking presentation for the patent office.
If you wander what type of inventions does InventHelp work with? InventHelp works with a wide variety of inventions, though they do have some specific categories in which they specialize. The company is especially well-known for working with individual inventors who have come up with product ideas that are on the cutting edge of technology.
In Conclusion
Patenting is a crucial, yet complex process in an inventor’s journey. It provides legal protection for your invention and peace of mind for you as the inventor. The help of experienced services like InventHelp can make the entire patenting process a smoother, more manageable experience.
