What is the timeline for filing a patent application?
The first step is to put your invention in written form; that is, to write down a description of what you believe your invention is, in as much detail as possible. Keep detailed records of your work on the invention, make sure they are dated and, preferably, are “co-signed” by a witness. The reason for this is that the United States still adheres to the “first-to-invent” patent system as opposed to the “first-to-file” systems of most foreign countries. In most other countries, one need only be the first to file for an invention to be entitled to the patent. In the United States, the first inventor, and thus patent ownership, is granted upon who is the first to invent. The next step, in my opinion, is to involve a registered patent attorney or agent. It is best to know the rules, and get an idea of the potential patentability of your development, before starting to play the game. Personally, I conduct an initial consultation with a prospective client for free, for the purpose of providi
