Turning a concept in to a lucrative patent is simpler than you might think. Everyone's thought it, "This could possibly be better if...," together the next good idea, nevertheless they skip one MAJOR step, and that's continue. These days of uncertainty and job insecurity, shouldn't you've got faith in yourself?
Just look for a way to improve a current product, or have a real challenge from everyday activity and supply an answer. Although simple ideas are easier to market, and cheaper to patent, don't be afraid to tackle an intricate idea whether it's solving a universal problem.
2. Record your idea by incorporating drawings.
You should create a foundation for your break through. Listed below are suggestions that might help. (Remember, these are mostly for brainstorming purposes, and although they could be used in court as evidence, this info in now way replaces a patent.)
Conserve a journal where you can jot down ideas, and scribble out pictures. It may also help to have a witness sign and date each entry. The most effective witnesses are credible sources, such as professionals (i.e. lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, etc.), but as they could often charge for this type of service, a coworker or friend will attain the same goal.
Employing a computer may also prove worthwhile. Files contain important information like "Date Created" and "Date Last Modified." The tricky aspect of computer files is creating pictures, and unless you're an engineer with technical programs, scanning in drawings may become overwhelming.
That leads me to my next approach to keeping a record of your opinions, which is using an engineer. Whether you have a friend who's proficient at committing abstract tips to concrete solutions in some recoverable format, or you want to hire an engineering design firm for drawings, this is an excellent step. It is also helpful if you are not a technical person yourself, the friend or engineer also can troubleshoot the concept early to show you if it's going to work or otherwise not. Again, all drawings ought to be signed and dated.
3. Do an informal patent search.
This task would be the most work, however believe it is best to just take a night time or weekend afternoon and merely get it done. Nothing on this step must come on technical, like a good how to get something patented with InventHelp would want to do the state search to make sure he/she is not putting things off for either party. The overall objective of this is to ensure that your idea just isn't currently patented.
Online searches might be best, and try to research by the simplest description of the idea. It's also advisable to include alternate definitions of one's idea, as some individuals would describe your idea differently. (An example of this is when I emerged for that concept of the "Nearly" Universal OH. It wasn't enough to analyze just "cup holder," I had to research similar terms like "beverage holder" and "drink holder.")
You will find subscription and non-subscription based patent search sites, so make use of a internet search engine or try Google's beta Patent search at http://www.google.com/patents.
4. Produce a listing of patent lawyers and interview them.
Less work compared to the last step, but finding a good lawyer will still try taking some effort. That which you are attempting to accomplish here's finding a lawyer you're feeling at ease with. Most lawyers will do a simple consultation over the telephone, but need cash to meet in person. I thanked these types of lawyers for time, but managed to move on. If you ask me it seemed like acquiring the car, AND THEN taking it try it out.
Finding a good lawyer requires calling several, plus some may have the lowest fee reely initial consultation in their offices. I'm not really saying you should be wasting their time, but as at this point you rely on and are committed to your idea, this is when you'll gather the knowledge you should actually apply for a patent. Make sure to take your records and drawings with you, so that as was said earlier, most patent lawyers have engineering backgrounds and will let you know if the idea works or otherwise.
Key things to ask have to do with costs and timelines. Ask for ballpark figures, and although you can not hold these to those, a great professional tends to give "worst case scenario" estimates. What will the patent search run? How quick is the turnaround? Who conducts the patent search (i.e. in-house or contracted outside)? How much will the filing of the patent cost? Average time until patent is approved? What costs might be involved after a patent is distributed? Also inquire if the firm has requested patents much like your idea so far as complexity.
5. Since you have found a patent lawyer, it's the perfect time to get a patent.
I want to remember here in order to avoid those "too good to be true" "do it yourself" patent schemes online. A patent lawyer undergoes a lot of schooling and experience to learn the patent process. Whenever your good plan eventually will take off, you need maximum protection, and just an effective filing with the patent can perform that. (Remember, when it sounds too helpful to be true, most likely it's.)
The best way to do that is as simple as picking a professional you are feeling at ease with, is within your financial budget, and has the ability to submit your patent properly. "Within your budget" will most likely function as important aspect, as submitting a patent is definitely an expensive process.
Although every filing differs, here are a few figures from my experiences when filing. (Remember, my simple mind comes up with simple ideas, so my filings have already been on the low end.) Patent searches ran between $800 and $1,200 US. Filings were around $8,000 US, with more money in case the claim on the patent must be argued in court. (I selected Hughes Lawyer north of Seattle, WA. The lawyer I dealt with was very understanding, explained any conditions that might arise with my invention, and also the prices were on the lower end of the firms I interviewed.)