Before Applying for a Patent
Before you file a utility patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office you should consider whether your invention merits the hefty patent filing fees (and perhaps attorneys fees, too). Learn what it takes to get a patent whether it is a business method patent, software patent, or traditional machine or process patent.
What to Do Before Applying for a Patent
What to Do Before Applying for a Patent
-
The USPTO's Patent Public Search Tool
What is the new Patent Public Search Tool?
-
Patent law creates an important form of intellectual property right for inventors, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
-
Can I Get International Patent Protection?
The economy is increasingly global. You may need patent protection outside of the United States.
Questions on Before Applying for a Patent
Questions on Before Applying for a Patent
-
Should You License or Manufacture Your Invention?
You have a great invention and a patent. But now how do you make money? Most inventors choose between manufacturing the invention themselves and licensing the invention to a third party.
-
What Are Improvement Patents and New Use Patents?
Improvement and new use patents are for inventions that improve on or feature new uses for existing inventions.
-
When Is a Combination Invention Patentable?
Many new inventions are combinations of existing inventions. But will the combination be patentable?
-
What Qualifies as "Prior Art" When Applying for a Patent?
To secure a patent, an inventor must show that the invention is new.
Get Professional Help
Talk to a Patent attorney.
How It Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you
Copyright ©2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices