How to Patent an Idea or Concept Purpose

How a product idea works is key to getting a patent

Have you ever had an idea for a product and wondered how to get it patented? Patenting a product or idea for a product is very smart and lucrative because anyone that wants to use that idea or product can't without your permission because you have complete rights over your product idea for approximately twenty years for a non-provisional patent. A short term patent is called the provisional patent and it's only good for a year. A provisional patent requires only a brief synopsis of your product idea and what makes your idea unique. A provisional patent requires nothing else such as drawings or specifications and is really only a way to protect your idea while you work on further developing what is needed for the full patent process. The basic steps, however, for filing a patent are relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• diagrams of product idea
• idea specifications
• documentation on unique application of product and how it works

Instructions

1. Determine which type of patent process you will be applying for, either non-provisional or provisional.

2. Determine the type of patent necessary for your idea. The three patent types consist of utility, design, and plant. The utility patent is for a inventor who creates an idea that is a process, object or type of machinery. Utility patents protect improvements on already existing inventions or any new inventions. The design patent is for an inventor who discovers something in the manufacturer's designs. A design patent protects the improved decorative or ornamental design, along with its configuration or shape of an invention. The design patent is for when the product already exists in the marketplace and is being improved in style. The plant patent for an inventor who discovers, invents or reproduces any new variation of plant.

3. Search for other similar patents, which can be obtained by going on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's website. Make sure your idea has not already been patented.

4. Fill out the type of application you chose and make sure you select which type of patent you're needing.

5. Explain what you want patented and what makes it unique. Make sure to give complete details about your idea with diagrams of it. Also include how you came up with your idea and how the product works, along with your name, phone number and address where they can contact you.

6. Mail your patent application along with the appropriate fee amount for the type of patent for which you're applying. However be aware the patent application process can take anywhere from six months to three years to fully process.

Tips & Warnings

• Getting a patent can take several months; however, it protects your product idea.

• Make sure you document all steps of making the product and how your idea can be of benefit to society.

• Make sure you look for other patents on your type of product before submitting the application for patent or it will be rejected.

References

• Applying for a Patent
• Provisional Patents
• Patent Application Steps