You have put your blood, sweat, and tears into building an invention that you are certain is going to be the next big thing. You need to protect yourself and your interests. The best way to do this is with a patent.
If you have an invention that you are proud of, then you owe it to yourself to become one of the 3 million plus people that filed a patent each year.
Not sure about how to file a patent? Well, keep reading because we are going to explain it in a few easy steps.
But first, it’s important to understand why.
Why Should I file a Patent?
You should learn how to patent something if you have an invention that you are sure is unique and needs to be protected. If could be to stop a competitor from developing the same product, or it could be because you are working on something larger and want to break down the small parts into protected elements.
In any case, you should start the patent filing process as soon as you have an invention ready simply if nothing else for the protection it gives you.
Understanding the Patent Filing Process
There are several steps to the patent filing process. It is not a quick process, but it is one you need to follow if you want to ensure your invention remains yours.
Have an Invention
Yes, ideas are cool. Ideas can change the world, but to file for a patent, you will need to have an actual invention.
You will need to have built what it is you wish to patent. This is a good thing. It allows you to solidify your idea and get rid of anything that may have detracted from the final product, thus meaning your patent is going to give you the most protection it can.
Of course, before you file for a patent, you need to be sure that your invention is unique. Patent research software can help make this task a lot easier and can speed up the initial start of the process.
Choose Your Patent and Complete the Application
There are four core patent types. Depending on what your invention is, the application your file will vary.
The core types are:
- Utility patent
- Provisional patent
- Plant patent
- Software patent
The most common type is the utility patent. If you are still working on your final design but want to get yourself some base protection, you can file a provisional patent first.
Hire a Good Patent Attorney
While it is not a necessity to hire an attorney, it is advisable. There will be a lot of documentation that is needed, some back and forth with the patent office. When all is said and done, passing that element on to an attorney is going to bring you peace of mind and remove some of the stress that the patent filing process can bring.
Wait
Filing a patent is not a quick process. It takes years for the decision to be made. Of course, during that time, you can be working on new inventions, or fine-tuning what you have to make it even better.
Patience is a virtue, but it is also a must when it comes to patents.
Knowing How to File a Patent is Vital for Any Creator
If you are a creator, then knowing how to file a patent is crucial. Whether it is for a single item or because you are constantly building out your ideas and are determined to create as many inventions as you can, patents will be your best friend.
Knowing and understanding the process is vital if you want to succeed in any business.
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