Inventive people are inquisitive people and are usually not afraid to ask questions. We've been helping inventors for over 15 years and have fielded thousands of questions. Here are the common ones.
1. How do I get started?
Start out by learning about patents and intellectual property (IP). There are many ways to protect your inventions in addition to patents. We always recommend learning about the various forms of patent protection and trademarks, trade secrets, etc. before beginning the protection process. It only takes minutes. The Quick Start Guide explains exactly how to do this and gets you started in 10 minutes. Besides, the value of an IP portfolio is far greater than just having patents.
2. How do I protect my idea?
The United States is a first-to-invent country, not first-to-file. Your rights begin by
writing an invention disclosure to establish your "date of original conception". By knowing the various forms of patent protection you don't short change yourself. Next, keep proper records in a legal Scientific Journal as you "follow through and reduce it to practice". In other words, show that it works the way you say that it works. Again, the Quick Start Guide explains exactly how to protect your ideas and start building your IP portfolio. Having a portfolio is very exciting.
3. How do I know if my idea is new, unique?
Do a patent search online at the European Patent Office, which searches 130 countries including the US. Don't use the US Patent Office website, it is very limited. You should also do a prior art search on the product. You may use our IPSearchLink or Patent Hunter software to search all of your intellectual property effortlessly online in just minutes. After all, you don't want to be making a product that someone else has patented...it's illegal!
4. How can I make a prototype
First start by making sketches and even a very crude prototype in order to prove the functionality of the concept. If this isn't possible you'll need to have some design and prototyping help. Prototypes go through phases with the later phases being build by your manufacturing and marketing partners.
5. When do I file a patent application?
The time to file a patent application depends on a few things. It's all based on timing. Generally speaking you'll file an application prior to your first public disclosure. That protects your worldwide filing rights.
6. How much do patents cost? What is a provisional patent application?
Patents can cost several thousand dollars over a period of a few years. The best way to get started is with a provisional patent application, which only costs $110 to file. This gives you "patent pending" status for one year. By the end of the year you file the permanent patent application or you'll lose your priority date. Writing a provisional patent application is not too difficult since the legal claims are not included. There are many awesome patent strategies that may be used with this type of patent application.
7. What if I'm not sure what to do next?
If you're just starting out and not sure about the first steps to take...start out with a Quick Start Guide. It only takes 10 minutes to get started. It will walk you through all the important points you need to take to protect your idea, start building an IP portfolio, how to search your invention and even how to qualify marketability. This is a very important first step you can do prior to investing in your invention. After that follow your FPTP Strategic Guide.
