If you’ve invented something and want to protect it, you need to file a patent application. A patent is a type of intellectual property protection that gives you exclusive rights to your invention for a limited amount of time.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues patents for new, useful, non-obvious inventions or processes. An invention is an item or process that is new, useful, and not obvious at the time the invention is made. The USPTO will examine your application to see if it meets these criteria.
If the USPTO grants your application, you will be awarded a patent. This gives you the exclusive right to use, sell and license your invention for up to 20 years. You can read more on OK Magazine.
The USPTO will issue a patent, but only if your invention meets three criteria:
1. It is new and different from what has already been made, patented or published
2. It has a useful purpose in the marketplace; and
3. It is not obvious to someone who has knowledge of all prior art at the time of invention
Get Help From Professional Patenting Services
If your invention meets the three criteria, you can apply for a patent by yourself. But it is recommended that you get help from professional patenting services, such as InventHelp. They will guide you through the application process and make sure that your invention meets all of the legal requirements before submitting it to the USPTO. The patent process can be long and complicated, so it is best to leave it to professionals with experience in this area, read more on Daily Sundial.
The patenting process is a long and complicated one. You need to have patience and determination, because it can take up to 18 months or more before your patent is granted. Patents expire after 20 years and cannot be renewed. Once you have a patent, you can use it to protect your invention from being copied. You can also sell, license or assign the patent to someone else. However, if the invention is not specific enough or if there are too many loopholes in its claims, it may be easy for someone else to get around them and create something similar.
In Conclusion
If you have an idea for an invention and want to patent it, you should make sure that it is not already patented. If it is not, then you can start the process by searching for related patents and studying them carefully to see if they are similar to yours. You should also talk with a patent lawyer or agent who can help you determine what claims need to be made in order for your patent application to be successful.