You can only patent an idea if it is:
- Something that is new and hasn’t been disclosed.
- Can be seen as inventive and not apparent to a professional of the technology.
- Can be applied industrially. In other words, it must be physically possible to produce.
Before you decide to patent an idea. There are a few things you should consider first.
Do you actually think that the patent is necessary?
Perhaps a combination of other IPR forms will give your idea enough protection? Ask yourself – Do I want a patent just for the bragging rights to my name and not because it is commercially necessary?
Have you estimated the full cost of the patenting process including annual renewal fees? Will the invention give you enough profit to justify this cost? Generally speaking, it is not recommended to file for a patent until you have entirely researched the earnings potential of the idea as explained on http://collegian.csufresno.edu/2019/07/22/should-i-use-inventhelp-to-bring-my-invention-to-life/. So make sure you do all of the first before worrying about how to get a patent.
Are you ready to start the application process?
The application will start a process which can’t be interrupted or delayed. You have to decide if you should apply for the patent early or wait until the invention is ready for the market so you can cover the IPR costs quicker. Waiting is sometimes better than rushing into the process, but circumstances are not always the same so it is always recommended to talk to a patent attorney for advice on how to get a patent.
It is important to consider that your invention is something that will have a long term product life. This is because it can take three to four years for the entire patenting process. Your patent may not be worth much at all if you are entering a competitive market where products are always evolving and being replaced as you can see from this story – https://www.sfexaminer.com/marketplace/how-can-you-benefit-from-inventhelp/.
Will your patent be able to stand against legal challenges? To evaluate the strength of your claims, you should seek a patent attorney’s advice. This is really important because you want to make sure you don’t leave room for competition to copy a successful idea.
