(Blog-Off II Entry) 5 Steps to Patent Your Invention

Now that you have solidified your concept with some robust research, you’re going to move on to the next stage, which is Development. Click here to go back to the first stage which is idea, research and first concepts. The definition of development is the determination of the best techniques for applying a new device or process to production of goods or services. Under that definition we will use patents, models and CAD drawings for engineering of your product.

Follow these simple steps to get your product patented:

1. 1.    Develop a drawing, either on paper or using CAD. This is a critical part to your patent process because you will not be approved for a patent on an idea. Hire a professional designer or engineer (bonus if you are one) to create your CAD drawings that is dedicated to the evolution of your concept; progressive iterations will no doubt be made. You will utilize this file as a model during the design stage to develop a prototype
   2.    Establish a date of originality you can do one of two things; mail a detailed analysis and drawing of the invention to yourself to establish a postmark date, or have a friend you trust sign and date the drawings and analysis as a witness. This bears no regard to protecting your invention, but if someone else tries to patent your invention at the same time, it will give you standing as to who thought of it first.
   3.    Do a simple search on a patent search database. This will rule out the possibility that you are infringing on someone else’s patent.
   4.    Apply for a patent pending status in order to give you more time to properly patent your invention. This allows you to put your invention on the market during the patent application process and protect your invention during that time. After you get the patent pending status, you have a full year to complete the patent application process.
   5.    File your final patent application. All the requirements for the different types of application are available through the US Patent & Trademark Office. Take your time with this since denials are common with the patent application process, especially if the application is done incorrectly.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

There are many more things to do than merely filling out your final patent application. The patent application should include the full specifications of the item or items being patented. These specifications should include as much detail as possible about the items to be patented, including claims of the usefulness of the item, drawings, and any other material that will be useful to pass the keen scrutiny and observation of the patent office examiners.

If you do not want to handle these steps by yourself you can always hire a patent attorney.

Although patents are generally in force for a period of 20 years, maintenance fees are usually required to be paid at various intervals during the patent's lifetime. These maintenance fees can cost from $460 for small entities every 3.5 years, to $3,900 for large entities every 11.5 years. The general rule requires a larger maintenance fee for a longer period of time.

During the patent application period, a number of fees and charges may have been paid, including search reports, petitions, search fees; as well as legal and administrative fees, should the services of a patent attorney and patent agent be used. But these charges may be well worth paying if a patent is awarded preventing others from profiting on the same invention or idea without giving just compensation to the patent holder. If the patent owner sells the patent, these fees are usually well worth it.

 The patent process can take about 15% of your NPD timeline and should not be overlooked. Remember to go back and stay on track to the steps that you will need to follow in order to succeed with your new product. Read the first stage (Bring Your Invention or Idea to LIFE) and also read the second stage (Make Your Dream a Reality... From Concept to Action).

Tim Ruffner
Email: Timr@GPIprototype.com
Click On Any Of The Following Links To Follow Tim/GPI

Comments

[Steve Hertz]

Well Done ..very informative and precise

[Laura]

Tim, thank you for the amount of detail; the step-by step process. It's very helpful and easy to understand and follow.

[Christina Greene]

Great job Tim! I am very Proud of you.

[Sam Diener]

Tim Hunny.... great job... (this should be funny after our phone conversation)

[Jenny R]

Very good specific information! I know how much fun this step can be! Patent office is a fun place to work with! Keep it up.

[Tim Ruffner]

@ Joy and Ian - Thank you for following my blogs, I am trying to make these posts as easy to understand as possible.
@ Michael - I will definitely keep you posted on my future blogs and thank you for the compliments on my graphics.
@ Darlene - You can invent anything you like just follow the steps in the first blog I posted and write down the ideas you have :) http://www.communitymarketing.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/bring-your-invention-or-idea-to-life.html
@ Brandy - Thank you for your kind words. One of the reasons why I decided to blog about New Product Development is because too many people overlook the small and simple steps to make your dream a reality. Hopefully I inspire you enough to develop a product you have been thinking about.
@Lauryn - I can't seem to figure out why there is 2 number 1's (amateur blogger). I am re-wording that sentence that you suggested now, I appreciate you looking after my grammar skills. Thank you!
@Billy - I am happy that I have inspired you to develop a new product, I will look for it on the market!
@Dan - You are correct when saying it isn't easy to patent a new product, it can be frustrating at times. Always take a break when you can so you don't lose any of your hair and remember to stay positive.
@Sammie - ^5 Back at ya!
@Chel - I recently talked to an engineer who developed a product and brought it to market, they never did the patent process thinking they had the only idea for it. It went to market and now their biggest competitor has taken their concept and patent it on their own.
@Brandi - I am not an expert at this process, however I do know the simple steps it takes to get through all the stages of NPD. I am thankful that you appreciate the time and effort I put into these blogs.
@Becky - I am happy to hear you are getting pumped up, follow my next 3 stages and I may just find your idea on the market!
@Danielle - I can openly say you are my sister, I love the fact that you recognize that I always put my heart into everything I do. Love ya!
@Therran - I am a fan of your posts as well. Your idea is more of a service and not a product so we can skip a few steps and I can certainly help you in regards to what you have on your mind. You are a very intelligent person and I look forward to working with you.
@Melissa - I am lacking in the expertise of SEO, when I finish my blog posts I will consult you to help me optimize my blog. Thank you for pointing that out to me, now I know what to look for in the future.
@Elizabeth - Thank you for the compliments, they made me smile!
@Scott - I know this is the owner of the company I currently work for, I am glad that he is following my blog posts and also is very supportive of them. Thank you for your kind words.

[Scott]

Tim
nice work, will keep following your blog, you make it easy to understand
Scott

[Anjeanette]

Again wonderful job Tim. This is inspiring!!

[Mike Browne]

Tim,

You know hoe to break it down.

[idris]

nice work its pretty much okey keep it up

[Elizabeth Thomas]

Your posts are just terrific, Tim. I especially applaud your use of graphics. If I am ever blessed with a great idea for an innovation, I want you on my team!

[Melissa Nava]

Tim,

Once again, excellent post. A few observations... You state, "Click here to go back to the first stage..." I would, in the future, omit the words "click here" as the term is archaic in the web-world... In doing many websites for government as well as private industry, in the web development world that term is passe (1990's are dead). A second noted small observation is that you mention "NPD" in your post, but nowhere in the current blog is it referred to as what that acronym stands for. Apparently the assumption is made that the reader has read (and understands) the terminology of your previous blog posts. As they are 'separate but together' I would simply advise that you either state your assumptions in your post or that the first time that an acronym is used, you define the term once again.

Other than my small observations, which are minor to note... I think that you have done a very good job on this post in your blog. The illustrations correlate and compliment your writing. Your writing itself is clear and easy to comprehend. Good job.

I look forward to seeing your next post.

[Jen]

great job nice detail very informative

[Gucci K]

Your ideas are well thought out and explained the extra 1 is a little distracting but you did a great job either way... keep up the good work hun

[Angelo Marrone]

Very well done, you walk through the steps and make it very easy to understand. The grammer is done very well also. I would for sure call you if i had a invention to patend. good job

[Therran Oliphant]

Hey Tim, I love the post. I actually have an invention, but it is intellectual property for a website. Any thoughts? Feel free to email me at therran@oliphantconulsting.com or I'll wait for the post! Nice info.

[ben]

Very nice work bro i enjoy how simple you got it wrote out when i need something to do with inventions im callin you bro nice work keep it up

[Amber]

wow tim, your blog is very informative, so there are no surprises in the process. very nice.

[Tommy Yescas]

Explained in a clear and concise manner. Very good writing. Sound very professional. Look forward to ready more on this matter.

[Sharon Morris]

Very direct and informative. Filled with good information that leads you down the path to get the job done right. Look forward to the next one.

[Scott]

Very informative and very well writen! you did an awesome job!! And yes your writing skills are impecable.

[Theresa]

Tim I love it, well done

[Capt Redeye]

I will from this day forward be bringing my endeavours to one "How To" writer! I appreciate the fact that someone could endeavor to help ME create in such a smart and direct format! Thank you Tim!

[Crawford]

For any of my future ideas i most definatly am going to refer back to your blogs. Very explanitory, this would be great for even hands on learners its almost like theres some one doing it for you thats how well u have done this EXCELLENT job Tim good luck

[ashleyanne]

Tim
yu have a well thought out plan on what yu want keep it up and cant wait til your next post good luck with that tim!

[Danielle]

I'm definitely going to you should I ever need help with inventions!

Not only do you know your stuff, you also have your heart in your work. Ever since the day in your driveway you explained to me what it is you do, I could tell you were speaking from your heart and soul, not just because it's your job.

Your doing a great, keep it up!

[Becky]

It has been fun following your blog. The way it has been written is very easy to understand. It has had a way of getting me pumped up to actively seek marketing some of my ideas!

[Sarina]

I like the way you have written the information.It makes it easy to understand..The content is easy to follow...Good job Tim.

[Sarina]

Very well put Tim your are doing a great job hun.Very informative..Keep up the good work..

[Manuel]

Tim, I am following your blogs, the way you outline each blog with steps make it so concise and clear on what Inventors need to do. I look forward to your next post.

[Scott]

Tim,
Your information is very informative. Nice easy steps to follow, keep up the good work. I really look forward to your next blog.

[Brandi]

I'm amazed with the amount of knowledge you have on this process yet you write it so it is easy to read and fully comprehend. I appreciate the time and effort you are putting into this because I am unsure where else I could get this kind of knowledge.

[nick]

Very nice job u explained alot about how to get a patent started and what u need to do to obtain a patent for an idea.

[Chel]

Tim.

I just finished your blog. I am glad you included one on the patent and trademark process, so often this step is overlooked. Please let me know of future posts as I am anxious to read them. Keep up the good work.

[Eddie Harris]

That was very interesting. If I ever want to patient anything the knowledge from this will be helpful to me Thank you

[Brian]

Tim, i now have a better understanding on how to obtain a patent... Great job!

[Sammie]

well, now i feel VERY well informed on how to patent an invention. you're AMAZING at explaining stuff. so easy to read & understand! good job Tim *hi-5*

[Ralph Jones]

wow did not know some of the thing you had to do for a patent application, this is good info :)

[Frontshow]

Wow! That article is interesting. My grandfather was wanting to learn do that. Good lookin out and we see you next time. :0)

[tim]

Very well done sir. I enjoyed it alot,

[Dan]

great info, the idea of submiting a patent isn't easy but you have it broke down so it dosn't seem bad at all.

[Mikey Reno]

I'll Follow You To The End Sir Looks Good. Hope To Help Anyway I Can.

[Mikey Reno]

Hey Time Great Post This Info Was Super Helpful Hell Of A Wrighter You Should Consider Writing For A Local Paper Or A Gaget Magazine.

[Jim]

Tim,
Your information is very informative. Nice easy steps to follow, keep up the good work. I really look forward to your next blog.

[Billy]

Very well done. Very clear on what to do an the outline of the steps puts it all together great.. Makes me want to put an idea together an see what i can come up with..

[addie aka rosa]

tim its looking really good hunny!!!!! you sure do know how to word things so that people can understand them!!!!!

[Lauryn]

Looks good...but as usual I have a few critiques for you. 1. There are two one's in your list. Is there a reason for this? 2. The second bullet under the list of things to do should probably be reworded. You currently have "Establish a date of originality you can do one of two things; mail a detailed analysis and drawing of the invention to yourself to establish a postmark date, or have a friend you trust sign and date the drawings and analysis as a witness." May I suggest you change it, "Establish a date of originality. To do this you can do one of two things; mail a detailed analysis and drawing of the invention to yourself to establish a postmark date, or have a friend you trust sign and date the drawings and analysis as a witness." The blog is very insightful and quite an eye opener to those who may have not throught the entire "invention" process through. Keep up the GREAT work! =)

[John]

Tim, Very well done. Very clear on what to do an the outline of the steps puts it all together great.. Makes me want to put an idea together an see what i can come up with..

[Brandy Sullivan]

The best thing about the information you provided is that it contains things people may have over looked and if they are truly serious about developing their idea they need to make sure they know all the steps. The way you have written this makes it easy for anyone to understand. This will be extremely helpful to any one who wants to carry their idea from concept to actual creating!

[Brad Jenks]

Many should find these tips useful. I've seen too many people go about product development without any real thought.

[Darlene Sabella]

I am following your blogs as well Tim, and I thing your have the perfect outline, the writing style is above great. Thanks for making the step by step easy to under stand, and oh by the way, I love your pictures.

[Darlene Sabella]

Thank you Tim for an excellent article. I wish I could invent something, just I could follow you wise advise.

[Roger]

Very good information. This takes an unfimiliar process and makes it very clear. I would know exactly how to proceed if I were in this situation.

[RANDALL]

VERY WELL DONE. EXPLAINED RT TO THE POINT! MAKES ME WANT TO PUT TOGETHER AN IDEA AND PATENT IT !!

[michael]

each concept of the product is very good quality and well put and would like 2 see more of this product and the picture quality is amazingly set up great and would wanna buy one of these lol send me the next form lol best of luck tim

[JOY AND IAN PATTERSON]

Tim, I am following your blogs, the way you outline each blog with steps make it so concise and clear on what Inventors need to do. I look forward to your next post. Great work

[Manny]

Well done.. very expalnatory of the proper way , to getting your idea in the right direction.
Your writing skills are impecable.