How to File for

a Patent: 5

Easy StepsFelix Grovit

Step 1

Record Your Invention

In the US, patents are granted to the

first who invent, not the first who apply.

Write up a detailed description of your

invention process and have a witness

sign it. You will also want to keep your

idea confidential. If your invention has

been in a publication, in public use, or

sale for over a year before applying for

you patent, you can’t obtain a patent.

Step 2

Do a Prior Patent Search

There are over 7 million patents in the

United States, so hire a patent attorney

or agent. They will run a prior art search,

which compares your invention with prior

inventions to see if your invention

qualifies for a patent. Patent attorneys

will also strengthen your application so

that it is more competitive.

Step 3

Market ResearchIf your patent search results come back

promising, you will want to do market

research to make sure you want to go

through with the patent application.

Find out the costs of creating your

invention and what the competition is

like. Can your product be sold? To

who? Your patent attorney can help

with professional recommendations,

but the ultimate decision is up to the

inventor.

Step 4

Chose a Patent Application

Be sure to review the US

patent and trademark office

website rules and regulations.

There are several different

types of patent applications

according to the invention

and type of protection you

may need.

Step 5

Wait for a Decision

A patent approval can take up to

1-5 years. You are able to consider

your invention “patent pending”

during this period. If you are

granted your patent, you have to

strategize how to enforce it and

make money from it. If your patent

is not granted, you can always

appeal.