Patenting New Invention Ideas
The length of time it will take to get a patent depends on the type of invention, the complexity of the invention and whether or not you have filed a provisional patent application first.
Can New Invention Ideas Be patented?
Yes, there are many new invention ideas that have been patented. If you have a patentable idea, you should be able to get it patented if you follow the steps outlined in this article.
Patent applications are usually processed in three stages:
Preparation – This stage involves drafting and filing the application with the USPTO. It can take several weeks or months to prepare an application for filing, depending on its complexity and whether or not you have already prepared a provisional application.
Examination – After your patent application has been filed, it is assigned to an examiner who will review your application for compliance with all relevant legal requirements. The examination process typically takes about 18 months but can be longer depending on how complex your invention is and whether or not there are any issues with prior art (for example, if someone else has already invented something similar).
Issuance – If the examiner does not find any problems with your patent application, it will be allowed and issued as a U.S. patent. The U.S. patent grants you the exclusive right to make, use, sell and import your invention for a period of 20 years from the date of filing (or 17 years from the date of issuance if you choose not to file an international application under PCT).
There are professional invention and patent services, such as InventHelp, that can help you file a patent application. They’ll guide you through the entire process and assist with filing your application, so it’s important to consider their role in this process as well.
In Conclusion
Inventing is a rewarding experience. It can also be stressful and frustrating at times, especially when you get stuck on the details of how to protect your invention. But if you’re serious about selling your idea, then doing some research and learning as much as possible about patent law will be vital in protecting your rights.