Patenting New Invention Ideas

Answer 1

The simple answer is no—you cannot patent an idea for an invention. The invention itself has to be produced or a patent application containing the invention must be filed with the U.K. Patent and Trademark Office (UKIPO).

While all inventions start with an idea, not every idea can be called an invention. Understanding the difference between ideas and inventions is critical to understanding the core ideas about patents, what a patent is, how to get a patent, and when to file a patent. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Answer 2

If you think you've come up with an idea for a new invention, before designing or selling your invention, visit the website for the U.S. Patent Office. The Patent Office issues patents for new inventions. Patents are licenses to create the new product. While your product is under patent, nobody else but your company can create the product.

What Can Be Patented?

The U.S. Patent Office is very specific about what type of inventions qualify for patents. It's important to note that only products can be patented; you can't patent the new invention idea itself, only the physical object that you've invented. Your invention must be significantly different from other inventions already out on the market. For example, you can't patent a chair that's simply a different color or size than other chairs on the market.

Get the Patent First

Always apply for the patent before publishing any information about your new invention or selling it. If you sell an unpatented invention for more than 12 months before applying for your patent, the U.S. Patent Office considers the invention to have been on the market and you won't be able to patent it. You must secure your patent one year before you begin selling your invention. You also cannot publish a description of the invention prior to securing your patent. If you don't follow these rules, your invention won't be patentable, which means that anybody can copy it and sell it themselves.

Search For Existing Patents

Applying for a patent takes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, before you start your patent application, make sure nobody else has patented a similar invention. You can do a patent search at the website for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO. Check for inventions both in the U.S. and abroad. If you don't find anything online, visit the nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library to double-check. You can find library locations on the USPTO's website.

Applying for a Patent

Apply for your patent through the USPTO. You have to describe the invention in words and provide a sketch to the USPTO. The USPTO will conduct its own search after receiving your application to make sure your invention is original. You may want to hire a patent attorney to help you file the paperwork.