Your chances of getting a patent are not based purely on the merits of your invention. Rather, steps can be taken to increase the probability of obtaining a patent. Tip #1: Conduct a patent search and focus on the white space of the search A prior art search is a search of various databases to see if your invention is novel. If nothing is found and your invention is new, you … [Read more...]
Patent application process
The patent application process includes three main time frames: 1) before filing patent application, 2) after filing a patent application and 3) after patent grant. Browse related articles below.
How to patent an idea?
You can patent an idea if you know how to make and use (i.e., enablement) the idea. If so, your idea isn't just a pie-in-the-sky idea. Rather, it becomes an invention. The patent process is quite expensive (patent cost) and you need to be careful and use your money in the right areas. Otherwise, you could waste it and not be able to complete the process. Let's discuss how you … [Read more...]
Steps to take before spending money on a patent attorney
Before you hire a patent attorney and spend money, do these 3 FREE steps:Step 1: Conduct the patent searchStep 2: Determine the market size of the inventionStep 3: Build a prototypeThese steps will save you money on the patent process. Also, your patent attorney will appreciate that you've done these steps beforehand. If you need to talk to a patent attorney, I invite you to … [Read more...]
Can I file a patent application after I commercialize my invention?
You can sell your product for up to one year and then file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, it isn’t recommended because someone else can easily steal your idea based on your marketing efforts. Of course, nothing that you do for the first year of commercialization will prevent you from getting a patent. However, if someone else … [Read more...]
Can you patent a service?
A service can be patented if it is new and nonobvious. For example, you can get a patent on a new use for an old product. Here is a list of patents for various services: Service of finding lowest cost provider of subscription products: USPN7505924 Guest services management service: USPN7542560 Call transfer service: USPN7103166 Why is a service eligible for … [Read more...]
How to check if a product is patented?
Here are 3 steps to check if a product is patented. You should complete all three steps even if you find a patent. The patent owner might have multiple patents that cover one product. Search the internet for any patent covering the product Look for all patents owned by the owner of the product Look for any patent marking on the product Find all patents related … [Read more...]
Should you get a patent for your invention?
You should get a patent if you have a big money idea. You are preparing for if and when you do succeed on your big money idea. You should not get a patent if the invention is a small money idea. The cost of the patent is excessive for the amount of money you can make on your invention. Also, you should not get a patent if the goal is to avoid infringement. You will not … [Read more...]
How to avoid patent infringement?
To avoid patent infringement, you need to take three steps: Look for relevant patents related to your product. Review the claims of those patents that you found. Modify your product to design around those patent claims to avoid patent infringement. Look for relevant patents related to your product Oftentimes, inventors show me their product which is based on a … [Read more...]