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 is the new Patent Public Search Tool?

Patent law creates an important form of intellectual property right for inventors, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

The economy is increasingly global. You may need patent protection outside of the United States.

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.

Improvement and new use patents are for inventions that improve on or feature new uses for existing inventions.

Many new inventions are combinations of existing inventions. But will the combination be patentable?

What is prior art and how does it affect the patentability of your invention?

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Protect and profit from your invention
A plain-English guide to intellectual property law
Get everything you need to protect your inventions when you share them with potential buyers or licensees.
Use this legal form to help you protect your interest in your creation, quickly and easily.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

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Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

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