Adults: All Grown Up

3 Steps You Must Take To Obtain A Patent

Many new inventions have the potential to generate a sizable income for the individual responsible for coming up with their design. The only way to protect the value of these inventions is by filing for a patent with the United States Patent Office.

A patent is essentially a declaration of ownership. Having a patent prevents anyone but the inventor from using a particular invention for financial gain.

Obtaining a patent requires a lot of knowledge and skill. Most inventors choose to work with a patent referral service to find an attorney who specializes in the application process.

1. Partner With an Attorney

A patent referral service can help you find an attorney with the experience needed to file your patent successfully. Once you have met with an attorney and decided to form a working relationship, you will both sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The NDA allows you to talk freely about your invention with your attorney and their staff members without fear of having your ideas stolen by someone else. Your attorney will help you identify your business and strategy goals after the NDA is signed.

The information gathered during your initial meetings will help your attorney compile a product design document that outlines pertinent information about your invention.

2. Authorize Prototypes

Prototypes are used extensively when preparing a patent application. Your invention must be unique in its design and purpose, and the overall design of the invention must be functional if you want to be granted a patent.

The attorneys who specialize in patent law typically form close relationships with CAD design experts that can translate your invention into a computerized blueprint. This blueprint is used to generate a prototype, which you will have to authorize before the application process continues.

Prototypes help eliminate any potential design errors prior to a patent review so that you receive protection for the best possible version of your invention.

3. File Your Application

Once you are certain that there are no changes you want to make to the overall design of your invention, your attorney can submit your patent application.

There are strict deadlines associated with filing responses to queries made in regard to your application, so you must stay in close contact with your attorney.

If your application is reviewed and the Patent Office deems it worthy, a patent will be issued for your invention. This patent will need to be renewed at regular intervals, so be sure that you maintain your relationship with your patent attorney over time.

For more information about how to get help filing a patent application, reach out to a local service.