How to Patent an Invention Online
A patent is a legal claim to your original idea. That is, if you file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office they will grant you the property rights for your invention. This allows you to market and sell your idea without having to worry about someone else stealing it and making profits from the sale of your ideas without your consent. Each patent is good for 20 years from the date of application, subject to fees. While the process is straightforward, there is a great deal of paperwork and documentation to prepare for the application.
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Instructions
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Understand the three different types of patents: utility patents (for a process), design patents (for a new, original, and ornamental design); and, plant patents (new varieties of a plant).
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Conduct a patent search. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website has a database of current patents. You want to ensure your invention is unique.
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Create a drawing of your invention. If you've created a process, use a flow chart to map it out from end-to-end. Specifications must include how you created the invention and the process. It should be clear and concise. Distinguish your invention from all other patents. If the specification is an improvement on an invention, it must distinguish the part of the process, composition, or manufacture, that is unique. Provide drawings with several points of view, specifying figure and parts with detailed descriptions.
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Submit your patent application online through EFS-Web, a website that allows anyone with a web-enabled computer to submit patent documents without downloading special software.
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Look up the current fee for submitting a patent application. Fees change annually in October and are numerous, depending on your application package. A full package can cost over $1,000.
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Describe what is distinct about your invention. Your claim should define the scope of the patent protection you require for your invention; it is the most important aspect of the application.
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Submit the application in the order specified with the application. According to the U.S. Patent Office, the application should have the following sections:
(a) Application,
(b) Fee (see fee schedule),
(c) Application Data Sheet (instructions are included with the application),
(d) Specification (description of distinct attributes),
(e) Drawings and/or pictures; and,
(f) Executed Oath or declaration (also provided with the application transmittal).
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Tips & Warnings
If your patent is already in the database, you will lose the patent search fee (currently $540) as well as the time and effort put into the package. Start with a simple search and then drill down using an advanced search. There are over 20 different search fields for the patent database; use the one that returns the least amount of options.
