Assigning and Recording Patent Ownership to Your Business

How do you make sure that your business owns your patent?

Before You Patent

Here are five steps to take before seeking a utility patent.

Business Method Patents

Business method patents are issued to software and Internet companies that have devised novel ways of doing business -- for example, a new online ordering process or a unique Internet advertising scheme. These patents allow the company that acquires such a patent to stop others from using the business method or license it to others for a fee.

Deciding to File a Provisional Patent Application

Here's how to decide if you should get a provisional patent application.

Choosing Whether to License or Manufacture Your Invention

You've got a great invention and a patent. But now how do you make money? You can either license the invention to a third party, or you can manufacture and market the invention yourself. Which road should you choose?

How Patents Differ From Copyrights and Trademarks FAQ

Learn how patents differ from copyright and trademark protections -- and when design patents might need those protections.

Inventors In a Partnership

If you work together with one or more co-inventors who share ownership of the business, you can't be a sole proprietor.

Preventing Joint Patent Ownership

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to avoid claims of joint ownership by contractors, assistants and others who perform tasks for you.

Qualifying for a Patent FAQ

Learn whether your invention is eligible for patent protection.

Questions to Consider Before Licensing an Invention

Did you invent a device or process that you think others will pay you to use? Before offering it up for licensing, ask yourself the following questions.

Voluntary and Involuntary Joint Invention and Ownership

Voluntary Joint Inventorship and Ownership Voluntary joint ownership comes about whenever two or more people deliberately jointly invent something.

If I pay someone to work on my invention, can I still patent the idea?

I have an idea to patent a product that I think will sell; however, this product has electronic circuitry, which I'm not capable of producing because of my lack of electronics knowledge. Can I patent an idea and pay someone like an electronic engineer or a manufacturer to produce it and still be the patent owner?

Should You License or Manufacture Your Invention?

You've got a great invention and a patent. But now how do you make money? You can either license the invention to a third party, or you can manufacture and market the invention yourself. This decision will affect not only how you earn money, but also how much financing you need to proceed. Your success in either method depends, in large part, on your personality.

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. For example, imagine that you wanted an all-purpose home warning system, so you combined a smoke detector with a severe weather warning device. Would the combination be patentable? That depends on how a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court is interpreted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Checklist: Should You Patent Your Invention?

Before filing a provisional patent application, ask yourself these questions.

Are You an Inventor?

Determine whether you qualify as an inventor under patent law.

Are You a Solo or a Joint Inventor?

Learn the difference between being a solo or joint owner of an invention.