Before an idea can be patented, it has to go through several stages. The first step is to document your idea. Remember that ideas don't always come at once. In fact, they often come in many parts, and that's why inventors often document their ideas. For example, J.K. Rowling explained where her idea for the Harry Potter series came from. She was riding a train when a series of ideas began rushing to her.

Patenting an idea

If you think that your idea could make money, you may want to try patenting it. Patenting an idea is a complex process. An idea has to be new and non-obvious to qualify for a patent. It can't be a combination of known things that are already in the market.

A patent must be new and not obvious to the expert in the field. It must also have industrial application. That means it must take the form of an industrial process or product. In addition, it must have certain physical features.

Preliminary research before applying for a patent

When applying for a patent, you must conduct preliminary research to determine whether your idea is patentable. This process is commonly known as a prior art search. USPTO patents check whether any prior art in the subject matter of your invention already exists. Although you can use an online tool, you should do your own research. The first step in this process is to look up relevant patents using search terms related to your invention. Using Google patents, Google scholar, and the USPTO patent database will give you a good idea of what type of patents are available for your invention.

The next step in the process is to determine the potential market for your product. A patent offers economic incentives for your idea, but if you cannot profit from it, you shouldn't apply for one. The information you gather will determine whether the investment in a patent is worth it. Depending on the results, you may decide to sell your product, license your patent, or provide a service.

Developing a prototype of your invention

There are many things to consider when developing a prototype of your best place to submit invention ideas. First, you should sketch out your idea. From this, you will be able to create a working model of your invention. You can use various prototyping kits or computer-animated virtual prototypes to do this.

You can also work with a manufacturer to find out how much it will cost to make a prototype. This way, you can balance functionality and cost. You can reduce costs by replacing plastic parts with metal ones or by removing parts that aren't used as often. You may also want to research the raw materials that will be used in production.

Filing a nonprovisional patent application

Filing a nonprovisional patent for an idea invention involves filing a nonprovisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This application is a formal request for an examination of an idea invention by the USPTO. It should contain a detailed description of the invention, its claim and an oath or declaration of original inventorship. The application should also include several fees, including those for filing, patent search, and application examination. The nonprovisional patent application should be written in English, but in case the original inventor is not an English speaker, a certified translation must be included as well as a statement of accuracy.

Filing a nonprovisional patent request for an idea invention should be considered only after careful consideration of the costs involved. Filing a provisional patent application will only protect an idea for a year, and after that, the inventor has one year to file a nonprovisional patent application. This process requires more confidence in the idea, since the United States Patent and Trademark Office is extremely busy and overburdened with applications. It can take a year to two years for a nonprovisional patent application to be approved.

Developing a utility patent application

If you are pursuing a patent for your idea inventions, you must develop a detailed description of your invention. Utility patent claims must accurately describe the invention and comply with the requirements of the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These requirements are not limited to the written description but also include the drawings and abstract.

Utility patents cover inventions that can be used to make, sell, and/or produce a certain good. These patents usually last 20 years, but are subject to maintenance fees. If you fail to pay these fees, your patent may expire before it reaches its expiration date. Utility patents are more complex than design patents, and may have several claims under a single application.