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Steps for Getting A Patent
After making an invention that is meant to fill a need or solve a problem, an inventor need to follow several steps for getting a patent on a product or technology. There are several reasons in going through the different steps for getting a patent on an invention. It could be because you might want to make some money, if you could get the exclusive right to produce or to license your invention. It could be for prestige. Whatever it is, going through the steps for getting a patent is not easy and should be done properly.
Thousands of inventors have successfully done the different steps for getting a patent on their own without the aid of a lawyer. Although a lawyer’s help is definitely invaluable but if you don’t have the money then you can follow the steps for getting a patent by yourself and secure the patent. Federal law requires patent examiners at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help individual inventors who apply for patents without a lawyer's help.
One of the most important steps for getting a patent is to make sure your invention qualifies for a patent and you need to be able to describe all aspects of your invention. These steps for getting a patent are indispensable. You might find later on that some steps for getting a patent are easy, others are more difficult. As with all new endeavors, you will succeed by trial and error. But by taking the steps for getting a patent one step at a time, you may acquire the long sought-for patent.
The following are the basic steps for getting a patent:
1. Keep a careful record of your invention. In steps for getting a patent it is important to keep a record of the invention process. Sign and date each entry and have two reliable witnesses sign as well.
2. Make sure your invention qualifies for patent protection. Fit your invention into one of the Patent and Trademark Office's broad categories and satisfy yourself that the invention is something new.
3. Assess the commercial potential of your invention. Applying for a patent is a business decision; therefore you need to research the market you hope to enter.
4. Do a thorough patent search. Doing a patent search is one of the valuable steps for getting a patent to prove that there was no ‘prior art’ invention.
5. Prepare and file an application with the USPTO. One of the steps for getting a patent is to choose what to apply for. You can file a full-blown regular patent application (RPA) or you can file a provisional patent application (PPA) on the invention. All that is required to file a PPA is a fee of $80 ($160 for large companies), a detailed description of the invention, telling how to make and use it, and an informal drawing.
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