Feature

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.

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

Recommended

Zoomers at work
Man on phone in an office.
Briefing

Zoomers at work

A summer to remember
An inflatable pool ring
Feature

A summer to remember

6 picture-perfect homes with great views
House
Feature

6 picture-perfect homes with great views

The Check-In: Flight bans in France and traveling along the Artichoke Trail
Planes release smoke in the colors of the French flag
Feature

The Check-In: Flight bans in France and traveling along the Artichoke Trail

Most Popular

Why are so many boomers homeless?
Homeless person and tents
Today's big question

Why are so many boomers homeless?

Fossils uncovered in Australia are 107 million-year-old pterosaurs bones, scientists say
Reconstruction of Australian pterosaur.
ptero-sighting

Fossils uncovered in Australia are 107 million-year-old pterosaurs bones, scientists say

Xi Jinping tells national security team to prepare for 'worst-case scenario'
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chinese Troubles

Xi Jinping tells national security team to prepare for 'worst-case scenario'