Turning an idea into a lucrative patent is a lot easier than you might think. Everyone's thought it, "This could possibly be better if...," together the following good idea, nevertheless they skip one MAJOR step, and that is follow through. In these days of uncertainty and job insecurity, shouldn't you've got faith in yourself?
Just locate a method to improve an existing product, or require a real challenge from everyday life and offer a solution. Although simple ideas are simpler to market, and cheaper to patent, don't be afraid to tackle an intricate idea if it's solving a universal problem.
2. Record your idea by incorporating drawings.
You have to develop a foundation for the break through. Here are some suggestions that might help. (Remember, these are mostly for brainstorming purposes, even though they could be found in court as evidence, this info in now way replaces a patent.)
Conserve a journal where you can write down ideas, and scribble out pictures. It may also help to get a witness sign and date each entry. The best witnesses are credible sources, for example professionals (i.e. lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, etc.), but as they might have a tendency to charge for this kind of service, a coworker or friend will attain the same goal.
Utilizing a computer might also prove worthwhile. Files contain information and facts like "Date Created" and "Date Last Modified." The tricky benefit of computer files is creating pictures, and unless you're an engineer with technical programs, scanning in drawings may become overwhelming.
Which leads me to my next method of keeping an eye on your opinions, and that's having an engineer. Whether you have an acquaintance who's proficient at committing abstract ideas to concrete solutions on paper, or else you want to hire an engineering design firm for drawings, this is a good step. Additionally it is helpful if you're not a technical person yourself, the friend or engineer can also troubleshoot the concept early to show you if it is going to work or otherwise not. Again, all drawings should be signed and dated.
3. Conduct an informal patent search.
This task will be the most work, but I find it best to simply take an evening or weekend afternoon and merely undertake it. Nothing in this step needs to come on technical, like a good Invent Help ideas will want to do the official search to make sure he/she isn't putting things off for either party. The entire objective of this would be to make sure your idea is not currently patented.
Online searches are best, and try to research from the simplest description of your idea. It's also advisable to include alternate definitions of the idea, as many people would describe your idea differently. (A good example of this is when I emerged for the idea of the "Nearly" Universal OH. It wasn't enough to research just "cup holder," I needed to research similar terms like "beverage holder" and "drink holder.")
You can find subscription and non-subscription based patent search sites, so use a search engine or try Google's beta Patent search at http://www.google.com/patents.
4. Produce a set of patent lawyers and interview them.
Less work compared to the last step, but locating a good lawyer will still try taking a little effort. What you're attempting to accomplish the following is finding a lawyer you're feeling comfortable with. Most lawyers can do a quick consultation on the phone, but need cash to fulfill face to face. I thanked these types of lawyers for his or her time, but shifted. To me i felt like buying the car, After which taking it for a test drive.
Locating a good lawyer requires calling multiple, and a few could have the lowest fee reely initial consultation in their offices. I am not saying you need to be wasting time, but because at this point you have confidence in and so are dedicated to your idea, that's where you'll gather the information you need to actually obtain a patent. Be sure to bring your records and drawings with you, and as was said earlier, most patent lawyers have engineering backgrounds and may let you know if the idea will continue to work or otherwise not.
Key questions to ask are about costs and timelines. Ask for ballpark figures, and even though you cannot hold these phones those, an excellent professional will give "worst case scenario" estimates. What's going to the patent search run? How quick will be the turnaround? Who conducts the patent search (i.e. in-house or contracted outside)? Simply how much will the filing with the patent cost? Average time until patent is eligible? What costs could possibly be involved following a patent is issued? Also find out if the firm has sent applications for patents much like your idea as far as complexity.
5. Now that you've found a patent lawyer, it's the perfect time for any patent.
I would like to make an observation here to prevent those "too good to be true" "do it yourself" patent schemes online. A patent lawyer goes through lots of schooling and expertise to understand the patent process. When your good plan eventually will take off, you need maximum protection, and just a suitable filing from the patent can achieve that. (Remember, whether it sounds too best to be true, chances are that it really is.)
The proper way to do this is as simple as choosing a professional you are feeling confident with, is within your financial allowance, and possesses the experience to launch your patent properly. "Within your budget" will likely function as the important aspect, as submitting a patent is surely an expensive process.
Although every filing is unique, here are a few figures from my experiences when filing. (Remember, my simple mind comes up with simple ideas, so my filings happen to be towards the cheap.) Patent searches ran between $800 and $1,200 US. Filings were about $8,000 US, with more money in case the claim around the patent must be argued in the courtroom. (I selected Hughes Law practice north of Seattle, WA. The lawyer I worked with was very understanding, explained any conditions that might arise with my invention, as well as the prices were around the budget of the firms I interviewed.)