Knowing how to patent an idea can help you save your idea from people who like copying ideas. Some people are total cheats. They will never come up with an idea of their own. All they do is wait for you to come up with an idea of yourself then copy it.
This is exactly why it is essential for you to know how to get a patent on an idea. Having this knowledge will help you safeguard your ideas and be the only person benefiting from them. If not, you might find yourself in such a sorry state in the end. This is why patenting is so essential, if you do not know how to do so then you might be in some kind of problems with your ideas.
However, one of the challenges that have been there with patenting ideas is knowing how to go about this process. Knowing how to patent an idea has therefore become so essential in this world where everyone comes with a new idea each day.
That said, the article below attempts to offer you convenient ways that you can use to patent your ideas. Remember, the process of patenting an idea is a race against time. The earlier you do this the better, in some cases you never know who is waiting to steal your idea.
What is a patent
Before knowing how to patent an idea, you first of all need to understand exactly what a patent is. A patent in simple terms is a legal grant or license if you like. This license is offered by USPTO and offers the inventor some exclusive rights of ownership of the property.
However, this license comes with some limitations as well. For instance, it does not offer any licenses to make, import, or even sell an idea. For instance, if you make a product then you do not have absolute control over it. For instance, the manufacture of this product has to undergo all the regulation processes as much as it belongs to you.
There are many types of patents
As you look for a way on how to patent an idea it is important for you to know that there are many types of patents. Knowing these types of patents will allow you to know exactly what to go for in case you need to patent an idea. Here are the two types of patents known all over the world:
1. Utility patent
This is one of the most common patents known over the world. The patents account for almost 90% of the patents. According to a report that was issued by USPTO, this kind of patent is used for the invention of useful machine processes and others.
2. A design patent
This kind of patent is issued for a new as well as ornamental design which is embodied or even applied to a manufacturing design. The role of this patent is to actually protect the way a product looks, very important this is.
3. A plant patent
This kind of patent is used for new plants which are distinct which are discovered or even an asexually produced plant
4. Can you get a patent on the idea alone
There has been confusion about and around this issue, whether ideas can be patented. The truth of the matter is that they cannot. It is not possible to patent an idea. You can only patent an invention coming from an idea and not an idea itself. For your patent application to be validated it must include what the invention has produced.
Easy steps to get a patent
1. Keep each one of the records on how you were able to come up with the idea
Once you come up with an idea it is essential for you to keep a record of each one of the steps the led to the birth of the idea. You can keep this information somewhere in a notebook or anywhere, it is very important for you to do so. Any such records are proof that whatever ideas you intend to patent are yours and no one else’s.
This is the first step for the people looking for ways on how to patent an idea. Failing to give a detailed process as to how you came up with an idea can cost you so much. In some cases, the source of the idea might be doubted squarely on these grounds.
2. Make sure your idea is eligible for patenting under the established patent laws
The second bit on how to patent an idea is by researching your idea adequately. Doing so will help you to know whether the patent invention you have is eligible for patenting or not. If you have some abstract ideas or just some natural phenomena then these ones cannot be patented.
3. Come up with a prototype of your idea when filing a patent
It is a great recommendation for you to prototype your idea when filling any patent. Such a prototype will give details of all the features of your invention. What this does is that it offers you something tangible that you can show to any potential investors.
4. Make a preparation of the patent application
Once you are done with the steps above, you can now prepare and file a patent application. There are some factors that go a long way in this process. For instance, the cost of the patent, the type are some of the things you need to capture in this filling.
5. Filling your patent to obtain the actual patent
Once you have filled your patent, you will then be able to obtain the actual patent that protects your invention. However, for you to receive this patent your words and pictures must be very clear. Even though it is possible for you to file your patent by yourself, USPTO advises the use of a registered attorney or even an agent.
Conclusion
For the people who seek to know how to patent an idea, the text above is what you need. From the text, you will find some essential steps that you can use to carry out this process. It is a complete guide that will make it easy for you to carry out and complete the process well.
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