Understanding Patent Applications

To get a patent approved by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), you have to do your homework before filing the application, carefully prepare the application, and file it. Then you have to convince the USPTO examiner to approve your patent. Learn the steps in the application process so you can prepare a thorough application that will win approval.

Basics of Provisional Patent Applications

Independent inventors are often faced with a nettlesome issue: How to show their brainchild to potential manufacturers without the risk that the manufacturer will "steal" the invention. Luckily, you can file a provisional patent application (PPA) -- filing a PPA is cheaper and easier than filing a regular patent application, and allows an inventor to claim "patent pending" status for 12 months.

Provisional Patent Application Procedures

Three steps to a provisional patent application: search for priorart, describe your invention, and fill out the forms.

Getting a Patent on Your Own

To obtain a patent, you must ensure that your invention qualifies for a patent and then be able to describe it in your application. By taking the proper steps -- none of which requires "legal" skills -- you can obtain a patent without the assistance of a lawyer.

Patent Drawings: Draw Your Own

Preparing the drawings that must accompany a patent application can be an intimidating task. Can you do the drawings yourself -- particularly if you're no draftsman, much less an artist? The answer is "yes," and by doing so, you'll not only save a bundle of money, but reap other benefits as well. For many, the key to drawing success is computer-aided drawing software.

Patent Searching Online

You have a great idea and want to make money from it. Getting a patent can help you do that. The first step in getting a patent for your invention (or determining if you even qualify for one) is finding out if someone else already has a patent for your idea. If your invention is already patented, then you are out of luck. The quickest and easiest way to find out is to do an online patent search.

Filing for a Patent Yourself: David Pressman

Patent attorney David Pressman, the author of “Patent it Yourself” provides some tips

Responding to a Final Office Action From the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

A “final” office action does not mean that PTO prosecution has ended. Rather, it means that the examiner is cutting off the applicant’s right to change the claims in the application.

Patent Claims: The Basics

Essential information for setting the "boundaries" of patent protection

Sample Patent Claims for Common Inventions

Examples of claims for some common inventions and processes are provided ...

Patent Prosecution: The Road to Allowance

Obtaining and maintaining a patent can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

Patent Prosecution Problems

This article discusses derivation hearings, divisional applications, reissue applications, substitute applications, and double patenting.

Small Entities and Micro Entities: What's the Difference When Paying Patent Fees?

A breakdown on the USPTO qualifications for small and micro entities.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Patent?

Most inventors prefer to use the services of a certified patent specialist