How Do You Patent an Idea?
Getting a patent is how you protect your intellectual property. With a patent, you can prevent others from copying your idea and profiting from your creation. Patent protection ensures you have exclusive control over your invention. You are not limited to filing a patent application on an idea when a prototype or tangible item is already brought to life. Applying for a patent is done through the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which can stop someone else from making, using, selling, or importing your idea. Before taking the steps to become a patent holder, you should understand the types of patents and how they can protect your invention. What Are the Three Types of Patents? The United States Patent and Trademark Office has three different patents to protect your creation. Before you begin the patent application process, you need to know which of these patents is the right match for your idea. A patent lawyer can help you understand everything you need for these processes. Utility Patents Also called patents for invention, utility patents are the most common United States patents. A utility patent is for new and useful machines, processes or compositions of matter, such as tools, computer software, machines, and medical equipment. To obtain a patent for this, you must show you have a new and useful device or process that makes it different from any other existing patent or known idea. You will generally have broader protection with a utility type of patent versus a design patent, but you will need to pay maintenance fees once the patent issues. And although a utility patents may generally offer broader protection it does not necessarily mean it offers stronger protection. Design Patents A [...]