You’re an inventor. You’ve made something that you believe is truly unique, and you want to share it with the world. But how do you go about patenting your invention ideas?
Patenting an invention can be a long, complicated process. But it isn’t difficult to learn how to patent an invention, or even how to get a patent for your idea. Just follow these steps:
1. Do your research. Before you start the application process, make sure your idea hasn’t already been patented by someone else or that there isn’t an existing patent that covers what you want to do with it. You can search for patents at www.uspto.gov/patft/.
2. Write up a description of what your invention is and how it works (in technical terms). This will be used as part of your application package when you file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The description should also include drawings or photos if possible — anything that helps show exactly how your invention works will be helpful when applying for a patent later on down the road.
3. Contact a patent lawyer or a patent agency, like InventHelp who has experience with this sort of thing and ask them to help you with your application. It’s very important that you do this step — if you try to file a patent on your own, chances are it won’t be accepted by the USPTO.
4. Once you have your patent application completed, you can submit it to the USPTO for review. The process of getting a patent can take anywhere from six months to two years — be prepared for this.
5. Once your patent has been approved by the USPTO and issued by them, you can begin selling it or licensing it out to other companies who wish to use it in their products or services. Patents last for 20 years from the date of filing.
If you want to learn more about the process of getting a patent, it’s always best to hire an patent agency, like InventHelp. They can help you draft your application and file it with the USPTO — which will save you time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
Patents are an extremely valuable asset for businesses, and they can be used to protect your product from being copied by competitors. If you’re thinking about filing for a patent or have already done so, you may want to consider hiring an agency like InventHelp — they can help you navigate the process and make sure that your application is submitted correctly.
