Learn how to patent something from an expert. I have filed over 500 patent applications and have worked for a top 3 patent law firm and enjoy working with inventors and small companies
There are two (2) methods you can use to learn how to patent something.
- Patent it yourself as the inventor
- Hire a patent agent or patent attorney (USPTO list of approved agents and attorneys)
Lets start with the first method (do it yourself). Under this method you will have to write and file your very own patent application. The cost for this method is $125 if you are filing a provisional patent application or about $650 if you are filing a non-provisional patent application.
What is a provisional patent application?
A provisional patent application is type of patent application that you can file. The advantage is that its cheap and easy (only $125) and it lets you use the term "patent pending". The disadvantage is that it will only last for 12 months and will never turn into a full issued patent unless you either pay more money or file a non-provisional patent application. Most people start off with a provisional patent application and use that 12 month period to test out their idea. If things are going good, they will then invest more money into their patent and file a non-provisional patent application.
How to patent something yourself - Steps:
Step 1 - Do a basic patent search
Step 2 - Create some drawings of your idea
Step 3 - Write a detailed description of how to make an use your idea
Step 4 - Save your files as pdf documents
Step 5 - Upload your files to the USPTO website and pay the filing fee
That's it. You're done! After you file your patent application you will be able to say your idea is now "patent pending". The patent process takes a few years of working with a patent examiner to convince them that your idea is truly new and not-obvious. If the patent office agrees, then your pending patent application will issue as a granted patent. A patent will expire 20 years from the time you filed it.
Method 2 - Hire a patent agent or attorney
If you don't want to write and file your own patent application, you can hire a registered patent agent or attorney to do this for you. The advantage here is that you will get a higher quality patent and if you are serious about your idea, this could be very important, especially if you are going to need investors to help you. A good patent attorney will charge between $1,000 - $7,500 to write a basic patent application. More complicated ideas can run into $20,000 or more.
Alternative Method
You could also write and file your own patent application but get help from an attorney or agent. One example of this is patentfile.org which has a
template for provisional patent which you can download. You can use the template to create your own patent application and get help along the way.
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Registered USPTO patent agent with 11+ years of patent filing experience. Filed over 500 patent applicaiton in many technology areas. Check out my website: http://patentfile.org
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