Tip of the week: How to secure a patent
Five points to keep in mind when trying to obtain a patent
Be the first. Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s site (Uspto.gov) to make sure an “idea like yours” hasn’t been patented.
Avoid the obvious. Your idea should be a distinctive concept that someone with an “ordinary skill level” couldn’t have created.
Hire a patent draftsman. Even if your invention makes complete sense to you, “at least one drawing” is necessary to meet federal patent requirements.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Hire a lawyer. Having an attorney betters the chances of receiving a patent. But be careful not to hire any “shady” firm that demands a cut of the proceeds.
Be patient. The patent process can take anywhere from “two to five” years. If people infringe on your idea during that time, give them notice and “collect damages” afterward.
Source: Popular Science
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
El Palace Barcelona: old-world luxury in the heart of the city
The Week Recommends This historic hotel is set within a former Ritz outpost moments from the Passeig de Gràcia
-
The best history books to read in 2025
The Week Recommends These fascinating deep-dives are perfect for history buffs
-
July 4 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Friday’s political cartoons include the danger of talking politics at a family picnic, and disappearing Medicaid entitlements