Tuesday, March 2, 2010

How to Patent your Invention or Idea

How to Patent your Invention or Idea





By: IC



Creativity and imagination is are qualities we are all born with, in some people these qualities tend to develop rather faster compared to others. Imagination has fueled our inherent desire to overcome obstacles and improve the tools we have available today, creativity on the other hand helps us create and materialize the ideas we have developed.

The process of invention is pleasant and rewarding but when it comes to obtaining a patent which makes you the legitimate owner of your creations and ideas the field changes. The first step towards obtaining a patent is to search the online database provided by through the government website which is in charge of keeping all of these records, this way you will know in an instant if your idea has already been patented or if it isn't.

The U.S. Patent Office is in charge of keeping all records related to invention and ideas, their site address is uspto.gov , all the paperwork and applications needed to process a new patent are available on both online and off-line sources. These forms can be filled out by yourself or with the help of an attorney if you don't feel quite comfortable with the process, however, must of the forms are straight forward, the information requested involves name of the inventor, description, functionality, drawings or charts and any other information pertinent to the idea being patented. The forms you will have to choose from are utility, plant and design; each one is intended for a specific kind of invention or idea.

You also need to be aware that there is a fee to have this paperwork processed. Once you have the information ready you can submit the form either electronically or in person. The person who reviews the form on behalf of the office will evaluate the information submitted and if it turns out your idea is unique you will get a patent which will protect your rights and will allow you to legally receive credits for your work.

The next step is to find an organization which helps inventors develop and market their ideas, this will launch your product full force into the market.

One more fact you need to be aware of is that this kind of protection is not permanent, depending on the application filed your idea is protected either 14 or 20 years. Twenty year protection applies to utility/plant and 14 year protection applies to design patents.

Always be patient and optimistic about the results of your submission, good luck!



About the Author




AbsolutelyNew.Zabmedia.com provides more information on idea patent procedures. Get an inventors guide to expose your product to the market, visit AbsolutelyNew today!

(ArticlesBase SC #294175)



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How to Patent your Invention or Idea

How Attorneys Help Inventors Patent Their Inventions

How Attorneys Help Inventors Patent Their Inventions





By: Abby Reid



Going through the procedure of patenting your invention can be both confusing and arduous – especially if it is your first time embarking on the invention and patent services process. However, you can avoid any unexpected conflicts by closely following the right steps – and by hiring yourself a patent law attorney. By using the help of a patent lawyer and adhering to the correct patent services series of actions, one can successfully market his invention.

Before choosing to hire a patent agent to patent your invention, you must first conduct some research. Take a close look your invention’s current market. For instance, if you have chosen to create a new type of cellular phone, one should examine the current marketing and purchasing trends of cellular phones.



* Why are cellular phones so popular? - Convenience, popularity

* Who uses cellular phones? – Practically everyone, from young children to the elderly

* What features to people look for when choosing a cellular phone? – This can change depending on the demographics. Elderly people are probably looking for a simple, easy-to-use phone that is accessible, while younger audiences and teenagers are looking for extra features that offer convenience and entertainment

* What makes certain cellular phones unique? Why are some phones more popular than others? - Certain cellular phones offer additional components and special abilities

* Why do people buy certain cellular phones more than others? Which types of features are popular? When are buying trends at their highest? – Compare and contrast your invention’s abilities to similar popular products



Examine how many competitors exist, which companies are the most successful in the market, the manner in which patented products similar to yours are being sold, how much they cost and who is buying them. After collecting this information, you can compare your product to those of competing corporations and see how your invention compares. You will be able to list all of the similar qualities that your invention has, as well as the characteristics that make your invention stand apart from the products of the competitors. This will give you a general idea of what the retail price of your invention should be – and how to effectively market and promote your product.

After ensuring that your product is a worthwhile commodity in a capital market, you can choose to sell your invention to a larger company that creates items like yours or hire your own patent attorney and market your product yourself. Your patent lawyer will be experienced with situations like yours and will know exactly how to handle your patent services case. Some companies, like the Inventors Network, Inc. offer quality patent services and free initial consultations.

The patent services process can be somewhat slow and costly. This is why it is ideal to have a patent attorney consistently look over your patent law paperwork and any patent infringement forms that you are required to sign. It is crucial that you remain patient during this process. Do not hesitate to ask your patent attorney to clarify any matters that may seem confusing to you.



About the Author




The Inventors Network, Inc. is a patent law firm that provides inventors with legal patent services.

(ArticlesBase SC #669223)



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How Attorneys Help Inventors Patent Their Inventions