Before diving into the intricate details of how to patent a business idea, here’s a trivia for you… What is one thing that is common between The Monopoly, The sewing machine, The Radio, The Bulb, and Facebook? Well if you are still scratching your head! The answer is: “All of the products and inventions above are the byproducts of stolen ideas.” Yes! Ideas are precious, especially those that have the potential to change not only your fortune but also people’s lives. If you have a great idea that you believe is unique and has excellent industrial potential, here are a few things that you need to know to patent your idea in 2021. What are the different categories of patents?The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issues three types of patent: # 1. Utility Patent: A utility patent is also known as the "patent for invention,". It covers any new or improved invention which could be a product, process, or machine. Once the patent is granted to an individual, other companies or individuals are barred from making, using, or selling the invention without the consent of the patent holder. # 2. Design Patent: Design patents are granted for the protection of the visual characteristics of a manufactured item such as jewelry, furniture, beverage containers, and computer icons. # 3. Plant Patent: Plant patents grant intellectual property rights to individuals who have successfully created new varieties of plants. The plants in such cases must be asexually propagated. Things That You Need to Patent an Idea First and foremost, it is important to confirm that your idea is eligible for a patent. If you are planning to launch an online store or a chain of restaurants, then there is no reason why your patent requests won’t be rejected by the US Patent and Trademark office. You can, however, patent the way your business is conducted. Further, you must also remember that patents are never enforced by a public institute. Rather, they have to be forced by you in case of infringement or theft. Also, remember you can hold the patent for 20 years from the date you file your patent application. You can renew your intent by depositing the renewal fee. Further, applying for a patent without a working prototype is never a wise thing to do. Once you have a working prototype, you can better evaluate the product's viability, commercial potential, and underlying technology. How to Patent Your Idea? # 1. Check AvailabilityHow do you know if somebody else has not applied for the same patent before you? All you need to do is visit the USPTO website and make a simple search, just as we do daily on Google or other search engine platforms. If similar patents already exist, the USPTO will return the results for you to see and confirm. If you find that your idea is unique, then you can move forward with the application process. This initial search will save you the time and money you might otherwise spend in claiming a patent for ideas or products that already exist. # 2. Pay Attention to Documentation When you are applying for a patent, you will have to provide every detail and information about the invention. You should prepare a clear and complete draft of what your invention is, its intent, its development timeline from ideation to prototype, its objectives, its target audience, and its benefits and drawbacks. # 3. Evaluate the Costs Patent applications are subject to a basic fee and additional fees. The USPTO will usually charge:
# 4. Hire an Expert It is always wise to hire Patent Services USA. You will save yourself a lot of time as well as the expert will ensure that your patent has no loopholes. They are experts in writing and documenting patent applications line-by-line. They leave no room for discrepancies or guesswork, securing the broadest possible protection and coverage for your idea and invention. Final Words: The patent application process is designed to make life easier for inventors and protect their ideas and products from infringement. However, to get the USPTO verdict in your favor, your patent filing process must match the government's written standards. Hope the information we shared will help you do exactly that. All the best!
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