Registering an idea for a patent involves completing a patent application.
Around the world, patents protect the intellectual property rights of inventors. Controlled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, patents allow inventors to market, sell and manufacture products or ideas without fear of ceding rights. U.S. law permits inventors to patent ideas, a form of intellectual property. Registering an idea for a patent involves completing a patent application-often a long, drawn-out and costly process. The rights and protections gained, however, often outweigh the time and expense required to patent an idea.
Instructions
1. Select which patent application to file. The USPTO outlines three types of patent applications: plant patents for invention or discovery of an asexually produced distinct variety of plant, design patents for original ornamental design for a manufactured product and utility patents for discovery of any new process, machine, manufactured product or composition of matter.
2. Carry out a prior art search. Prior art investigations verify the originality of an invention idea. Search previous patents worldwide, academic and technical journals for any idea or product resembling the invention idea. Determine the novelty of your idea by exhausting all resources during the prior art search.
3. Choose which patent application to file. The two basic types of patent applications include non-provisional and provisional. Traditional nonprovisional patents provide the most protection for a longer period but cost more and take more time to file than a provisional patent. Provisional patents expire after one year; prior to expiration completing a nonprovisional patent application ensures intellectual property protection continues.
4. Write the patent application. Follow the USPTO's guidelines for writing the patent application. According to the USPTO, required sections of a patent application include the intellectual property claim, invention specification, drawings, history and applicability of the invention, background and results of the prior art search, among others.
5. Employ a patent attorney to assess and correct the patent application. Professional patent attorneys review patent applications for thoroughness, specificity, adequate prior art findings, proper legal language and adequate legal protections.
6. Obtain a digital certificate and customer number from the USPTO. The digital certificate and customer number allow an inventor to submit his invention and related documents to the USPTO online. Get a customer number and digital certificate online from the USPTO website or by calling the office directly.
7. Submit the patent application online. The USPTO website makes available electronic submission for all patent applications and supplemental data.
