Understanding Patent Applications

There are several steps to obtaining a patent through the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

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.

How To File A Provisional Patent Application

A provisional patent application can be used by a patent applicant to secure a filing date while avoiding some of the costs and formalities associated with the filing and prosecution of a non-provisional patent application.

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

Patent applicants are required to submit patent drawings when such drawings are necessary to understanding the invention. Can these drawings be done yourself, or must you hire a professional service?

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.

Can I Appeal a Final Office Action From the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office?

A “final” office action does not mean that U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's decision is final. Rather, it means that the examiner is cutting off the applicant’s right to change the claims in the application.

Sample Patent Claims for Common Inventions

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

What to Expect When Awaiting Patent Approval

Obtaining a patent can be a time-consuming and sometimes bureaucratic process.

What to Expect When Awaiting Patent Approval

Obtaining a patent can be a time-consuming and sometimes bureaucratic process.

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?

Whether you want to hire a lawyer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the invention, the possibility that your patent will be challenged, and the time that you have to commit to the sometimes-complex registration process.

Just How Broad Will My Patent Protection Be?

Inventors must know exactly what their patent will, and will not, protect.

How Do I Correct or Revise My Patent?

Even after a patent is issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you can still seek certain amendments.