How Do You Apply Or File For A Patent?
A patent is a grant from the government that gives the creator of an invention the exclusive right to make, use and sell his or her invention for a certain period of time. In order to get a patent, an inventor must file an application with the United State Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Ideally, an inventor should consult with a patent attorney to aid them in creating their patent application, but it is not required and anyone can fill out a patent application themselves. These days, patent applications can be done electronically so, in many cases, everything can be completed on your computer. Before creating your patent application, you must make sure that your ideas have not previously been patented. Search the Patent Full-Text and Image Database on the USPTO website, www.uspto.gov, to find any similar patents and make sure your ideas are not already protected by a patent filed by someone else. Determine the type of patent you are applying for. There are three types of patents:
