If you have an idea for a new product, it’s important to keep it confidential. Patents are one way of protecting ideas, but they can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain. In this article we explain how to apply for a patent and whether or not it is worth the effort.
What is a Patent?
A patent is an official document issued by government authorities that gives the owner of an invention exclusive rights over that invention. An inventor can only apply for patents in their own name if they have been granted permission to do so by their employer or university – they cannot apply on their own behalf without permission from these organisations first. Usually, companies will want to patent new inventions internally before allowing any public announcement about them being made.
Is My Idea Patentable?
A patent can only be granted for an invention that is new, useful and not obvious. If your idea has been published before, then it is not new and cannot be patented. This also applies if someone else has already invented something similar to yours, because they own the rights to that invention. If you want to make sure that no one else has patented your idea before you do so yourself, then you should consult a patent attorney or a patent agency, such as InventHelp.
Why Should I Patent My Idea?
There are many good reasons why you should consider applying for a patent:
- It gives you the right to prevent other people from making, using or selling your invention without your permission.
- It protects your idea from being copied by someone else.
- It can help you sell and license your invention, which could earn you money.
How To Apply For a Patent?
The first step is to make sure that your idea is patentable. This means that it’s new, useful and not obvious. If it meets all three criteria, then you can apply for a patent yourself. However, if your invention doesn’t meet any of these three conditions, then you should get legal advice from an attorney or patent agency such as Invent Help.
The next step is to prepare a patent application. This includes writing a description of your invention and drawing diagrams of it. You’ll also need to include information about any similar inventions that are already on the market and proof that you created the idea yourself.
Once you’ve completed your patent application, you can file it with the US Patent and Trademark Office. If your idea is approved, then you’ll be granted a patent for up to 20 years.