Patents allow people and companies to claim ideas and inventions as their own. Nevertheless, it is quite confusing and tricky when multiple entities are involved. Disagreements can and do arise between the owners. You need to know how to address these potential pitfalls. Can multiple people own a patent? Yes, but we do not recommend joint patent ownership. The patent’s … [Read more...]
Before filing a patent application
Before filing a patent application, among other activities, you must make sure that you own the patent rights, it is eligible for patent protection and also new and non-obvious. Browse related articles below.
Can you patent an idea?
Everyone has had an "a-ha!" moment when the light bulb turns on. You then think that you will be making millions. However, before you get ahead of yourself, you have to find out if you can get a patent on your idea. By the end of this article, you should be able to determine if you can get a patent on your idea. Can you patent an idea? Depending on what the idea is, you … [Read more...]
Should you file a provisional application or design patent?
The process of applying for a patent is confusing because the Patent Office gives you four different options for filing a patent application. Among the various choices, the most common question is whether you should file a design patent application or a provisional patent application. So, should you file a provisional patent application or a design patent application? You … [Read more...]
What is a patent?
What is a patent? A patent is a right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the invention into the U.S. The USPTO grants the right to inventors for novel and nonobvious inventions. After a limited period of time, the patent expires, and the invention is dedicated to the public. [cmtoc_table_of_contents] Purpose of the patent … [Read more...]
Can I get a patent on my invention?
Inventors often ask me whether they can get a patent on their invention. After reading this article, you should be able to determine for yourself if your invention can be patented. So, how do you know if you can get a patent on your invention? You can get a patent on your invention if it meets the four legal requirements, which are the: Utility requirement: The … [Read more...]
7 steps before spending money on a patent
To save money on getting a patent, do the low-cost or free steps first before spending money on the patent process. I've listed seven (7) of them below. They will help you spend your money wisely. You may even decide that it isn't worth going through the patent process. So, what are the steps you should do before spending money on a patent? The 7 steps an inventor should … [Read more...]
Can you sell an idea without a patent?
Patents are expensive. If you can avoid the expense, you should. So, can you sell an idea to a company without a patent? Yes, you can sell an idea to a company without a patent. However, the company needs to enter into a contract such as a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). Otherwise, they can steal your idea. Unfortunately, many companies will not enter into an NDA. As … [Read more...]
How to protect your invention without a patent?
Patents are expensive. You should avoid the cost of getting a patent if possible. If you must get a patent, then you should delay the cost of a patent as much as possible. The goal is to avoid and delay patent costs if and when possible. So, how do you protect your invention without a patent? You can use contracts and trade secrets to avoid using a patent to protect your … [Read more...]