Everything begins with an idea. In the innovative world of technology, a tiny spark of idea can indeed change the world. But every inventor must understand that an idea can only be protected by law once it is transformed into an invention. This involves navigating the complex patent application process. Let’s see what does the patent process involve?
Requirements for Patentability
Before you set out to patent an idea, it’s essential to understand what makes an invention patentable. The primary requirements include:
- Novelty: Your invention should be ‘new’ and mustn’t be publicly known in any way, anywhere in the world.
- Inventive Step (Non-Obviousness): Your idea should not be evident or obvious to someone with technical expertise in the field of the invention.
- Utility: The invention should prove to be useful or capable of being used in an industry or day-to-day life.
- Eligible Subject Matter: Patent laws vary across countries. Therefore, it’s crucial to study if the invention subject-matter is patentable under the laws of the respective patent office.
Preparing a Patent Application
Once you’ve vetted your invention for the above requirements, the next step is to prepare your patent application – a document that represents your invention in legal terms.
The application includes:
- Title: The title should clearly and succinctly state the idea covered in your invention.
- Background: This normally includes prior art, to demonstrate how your invention differs from existing technologies and its motive.
- Summary of the Invention: This segment should clearly state what the invention is and how it functions.
- Detailed Description: This includes the deeper technical aspects of the invention, which could be accompanied by drawings or diagrams.
- Claims: These are the most crucial part of the patent application since they define the exact boundaries of patent protection.
Working With a Patent Agency like InventHelp
Considering the complexity of patent laws and applications, it’s always recommended to consult with an expert agency, like InventHelp. These agencies offer professional guidance to navigate through the process, ensuring the invention is aptly protected. There are also other ways in which InventHelp can assist you with your patent application. They can help you conduct market research to determine the potential of your invention, and they can also assist in creating a prototype if not already available.
Handling Patent Office Actions
Patent office actions are official documents sent by the patent office examiner, relating to the patentability of your application. This document could either contain objections, rejections, or allowances.
Once you receive this document, it is crucial to consult your patent attorney or agency to understand it, frame a response accordingly, and handle the next steps.
Objections are typically easier to deal with as they could mean minor changes in application language. Rejections, though, could mean the examiner finds your application lacking in meeting the patentability requirements. Allowances, on the other hand, signal that you’re on the right track, and your patent would soon be granted.
To Conclude
The patent application process is tedious, intricate, and requires a comprehensive knowledge of patent laws. However, it is a journey worth undertaking to secure your invention. Guidance from expert patent attorneys or agencies can ensure the successful navigation of this process, safeguarding the ideator’s interests, and commercializing the innovation.
