Got An Interesting Idea Or Innovation? Get It Patented, Here Is How
Posted by Vincent Campeolls in Uncategorized, tags: general, idea, innovation, Invention, misc, Miscellaneous, news, self improvement, UncategorizedApplying for a patent is important. For one, it affords you the right of calling a new invention as “my invention.” The question you are probably asking is “How do I patent my invention?” More importantly, it serves as insurance that in the event your invention turns out to be valuable, a patent will allow you to bring infringers to court. The process involved before being afforded the right to call a product as “my invention” can be a long-winding one.
Prior to applying to have your new invention patented in your country, it is imperative for you to ascertain if it can be patented in the first place. The rules for what can be patented are rigid. In order for a new gadget to obtain a patent, it should be, first and foremost, novel. What this means is that an invention cannot be patented if it is identical to an existing product, has been described in publications and if it has been used publicly, or offered for sale prior to application. Another requisite to patent application is non-obviousness, which means for a product to be patented it has to show adequate inventiveness, and it should produce unexpected or surprising new results which are not anticipated by someone who has ordinary skill or familiarity with that existing technology. To further elucidate, let us use an example: the telephone technology developed by Alexander Graham Bell is patentable because it was not obvious to audio and sound engineers of Bell’s day. Merely replacing or modifying one element of a similar product, is ordinarily not patentable. Third, it should have a useful purpose and it must be operative.
Also, you have to conduct a patent search prior to application. This is very important because it prevents you from wasting time and money for a patent that has already been granted. Keep in mind that patent application fees are nonrefundable.
Some people believe that applying for a patent is as easy as applying for a job. They couldn’t be more wrong. Applying for a patent requires tons of paperwork which includes technical explanations of what the product is and what it does, blueprints, illustrations, as well as claims. Your patent application is basically a legal document. While it is possible to write one yourself and be granted a patent through your own efforts, there is also a possibility that the approved patent does not adequately protect your creation. Hence, it is often a good decision to hire the services of a patent attorney.
Even though prototype submission is no longer a requirement when applying for a patent for a new invention since 1995, it still better to have one. For one, it allows you to figure out design flaws. Also, they are great tools to promote your invention, as well as assist you while you make illustrations. Making prototypes can easily become prohibitive though. Some inventors usually commission design studios to produce a virtual, animated prototype. There are computer programs available today that can simulate an invention in 3D to test if it really works.
The entire patenting process can be financially demanding, even if you decide to do it without the help of agents and attorneys. Most inventors find it more practical to apply for a provisional patent which applies a patent pending status to the item for a year. In that year, investors can look for angel investors or companies that are interested in buying his ideas so that he can generate enough financial resources to apply for a non-provisional patent. Patent pending status is written on the label of your new invention to alert a third party to the fact that they may be infringing a patent if the product is copied after the patent is granted.
Have you ever asked yourself How can I get new invention patented? Click here to learn about the application process for new inventions. Reasons why patenting your new inventions is important are also discussed here.
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