Turning a concept right into a lucrative patent is easier than it might seem. Everyone's thought it, "This might be better if...," together the next good idea, nevertheless they skip one MAJOR step, and that is follow-through. In these days of uncertainty and job insecurity, shouldn't you've faith in yourself?
Just look for a approach to improve an existing product, or require a real challenge from everyday routine and supply a solution. Although simple ideas are simpler to market, and cheaper to patent, don't be afraid to tackle a complex idea if it is solving a universal problem.
2. Record your idea with some drawings.
You need to create a foundation for the new idea. Listed below are suggestions that can help. (Remember, these are mostly for brainstorming purposes, and even though they may be used in court as evidence, this information in now way replaces a patent.)
Keep a journal where one can write down ideas, and scribble out pictures. It also helps to have a witness sign and date each entry. The most effective witnesses are credible sources, including professionals (i.e. lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, etc.), but as they could tend to charge for such a service, a coworker or friend will reach the same goal.
Utilizing a computer may additionally prove worthwhile. Files contain information and facts like "Date Created" and "Date Last Modified." The tricky aspect of computer files is creating pictures, and unless you're an engineer with technical programs, scanning in drawings could become overwhelming.
Leading me to my next approach to keeping a record of your opinions, which is using an engineer. Whether you have an acquaintance who's proficient at committing abstract ideas to concrete solutions in some recoverable format, or else you want to hire an engineering design firm for drawings, this is a good step. It's also helpful as if you aren't a technical person yourself, the friend or engineer may also troubleshoot the idea early to show you if it is likely to work or otherwise. Again, all drawings should be signed and dated.
3. Do an informal patent search.
This step will be the most work, however i believe it is better to just take a night or weekend afternoon and simply take action. Nothing within this step needs to get real technical, being a good how do you patent an idea with InventHelp would want to do the state search to make certain he/she isn't wasting time for either party. The overall purpose of this task is to ensure that your idea isn't currently patented.
Online searches might be best, and try to research by the simplest description of the idea. It's also advisable to include alternate definitions of the idea, as some individuals would describe your idea differently. (An illustration of this this is where I showed up for that idea of the "Nearly" Universal OH. It wasn't enough to analyze just "cup holder," I needed to research similar terms like "beverage holder" and "drink holder.")
You will find subscription and non-subscription based patent search sites, so utilize a internet search engine or try Google's beta Patent search at http://www.google.com/patents.
4. Generate a listing of patent lawyers and interview them.
Less work compared to last step, but locating a good lawyer will still take some effort. What you are wanting to accomplish here is finding a lawyer you are feeling at ease with. Most lawyers can do a fast consultation over the telephone, but need cash to satisfy one on one. I thanked these types of lawyers for their time, but managed to move on. In my experience i felt like acquiring the car, After which taking it for a test drive.
Finding a good lawyer requires calling multiple, plus some could have a low fee reely initial consultation within their offices. I'm not saying you ought to be wasting their time, but because you now have confidence in and so are committed to your idea, that's where you'll gather the knowledge you should actually make application for a patent. Ensure that you bring your records and drawings along with you, and as was said earlier, most patent lawyers have engineering backgrounds and may tell you if the idea works or not.
Key things to ask are about costs and timelines. Require ballpark figures, and although you can't hold these phones those, an excellent professional has a tendency to give "worst case scenario" estimates. What is going to the patent search run? How quick may be the turnaround? Who conducts the patent search (i.e. in-house or contracted outside)? Simply how much will the filing from the patent cost? Average time until patent is eligible? What costs could possibly be involved after having a patent is issued? Also ask if the firm has applied for patents similar to your idea as far as complexity.
5. Since you have found a patent lawyer, it is time for any patent.
I wish to make an observation here to prevent those "too good to be true" "do it yourself" patent schemes online. A patent lawyer goes through a lot of schooling and work experience to learn the patent process. When your good plan eventually will be taking off, you need maximum protection, and just an effective filing of the patent can achieve that. (Remember, when it sounds too helpful to be true, most likely it is.)
The optimal way to try this is simply by picking a professional you're feeling confident with, is at your financial allowance, and has the experience to submit your patent properly. "Within your budget" will in all probability function as the essential aspect, as filing for a patent is surely an expensive process.
Although every filing differs, here are a few figures from my experiences when filing. (Remember, my simple mind arises with simple ideas, so my filings have been towards the low end.) Patent searches ran between $800 and $1,200 US. Filings were right around $8,000 US, with more money if your claim about the patent needed to be argued in the courtroom. (I selected Hughes Law Firm north of Seattle, WA. The lawyer I caused was very understanding, explained any conditions that might arise with my invention, and also the prices were on the entry level of the firms I interviewed.)