Note: This article is part of a series on how to write a great patent application.
Below are download links to an outline template, a numbering worksheet and a patent application template.
Download a template of the outline
The outline will be worked on throughout the other steps. It’s a place where you can put all of your ideas while brainstorming. This will help you organize your thoughts and document what needs to be included in the patent application.
Do not write long paragraphs. Instead, jot down words and phrases to help you remember what you need to mention in the patent application.
Once you start writing your patent application, you will simply expand upon the items in the outline worksheet.
Download a worksheet for numbering the drawings
The numbering worksheet allows you to identify a number for a part that will be used in both the drawings and the text of the specification. This way, the reader can follow along with the text and drawings.
In the specification, you will identify the first item in the drawings as 10. Each subsequent item will be identified as 12, 14 and so on. For example, a sentence in the patent application may read “A nut 10 is attached to bolt 12.” You would then identify the nut and the bolt in the application by pointing to those parts with a line or arrow and labeling the line or arrow with 10 and 12.
You can see how this is done by downloading my sample application for a Manfrotto tripod we’ll be working through in this guide.
If you have two different embodiments or systems, you can use numbers 10-98 for the first embodiment/system, numbers 100-198 for the second embodiment/system, and so on.
Download a template of a patent application
The patent application template contains sections that need to be filled out. This isn’t a check-the-box type of application. You essentially have to explain how to make and use (i.e., enablement requirement) the invention from scratch.
Disclaimer: Use the information in this article at your own risk. It takes many years to learn how to draft a well-written patent application under the guidance of a senior patent attorney.
How to write a patent application?
- Step 1: How to write the abstract and title of the patent application?
- Step 2: Download a sample outline, numbering worksheet and patent template
- Step 3: How to develop the outline of your patent application?
- Step 4: How to show your invention through the drawings?
- Step 5: Which section of the patent application should be written first?
- Step 6: How to write a claim for your patent application?
- Step 7: How to write the detailed description section of your patent application?
- Step 8: How to write the brief summary section of the patent application?
- Step 9: How to write the background section of the patent application?
- Step 10: How to write the summary paragraphs of the Detailed Description and Brief Summary sections?
- Step 11: How to write the abstract and title of the patent application?
- Step 12: Reread your patent application over and over again