Posted On: September 1, 2010
What Every Inventor Needs to Know About Getting a Patent
America is a nation of inventors. If you have a great idea and are considering obtaining a patent for it, there are several things you need to take into consideration before applying:Does it already exist? Be sure you conduct a thorough patent search to ensure that your invention is something new.
Does your invention qualify? You cannot patent an idea. You must also be able to demonstrate that your invention is new and how it works. Plus, your invention cannot have been for sale or known about for more than a year before the patent application is filed.
Have you kept good records? You should have kept careful written records of each step in your invention process, with descriptions and diagrams that demonstrate how you came up with the idea. You may also need to have built and tested a prototype.
Does your invention have commercial potential? Applying for a patent takes time and money, so you should be sure your invention has commercial potential before you apply. Doing research on the market and assessing demand will help you determine if it is worth it to file for a patent.
If you have an invention that meets all these qualifications and are interested in learning more about the patent process, contact our Jacksonville, Florida business and tax law firm.
