The Great American Patent Caper |
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When you get an idea for a wonderful invention, you would probaby want to get a patent to protect it. Yes, an idea for an invention can become your property. To apply for a patent, you need to follow certain steps. -First, you should record the date the invention became an idea in your mind. -Then draw a sketch that contains a description of the invention and have it witnessed by several people. This drawing should be kept in a safe palce. -Next, you should file a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. While this might seem an easy task, it really can be quite difficult as you will see. -With your application, you need to submit a drawing of your invention and a working model, and explain how your invention works. Your original sketch would come in handy at this time.
After submitting your plans and a working model of your invention, your application would be examined and reviewed by a patent officer.A patent examiner reviews your application to see whether it is something new and useful. The examiner makes sure that a patent for your invention doesn’t already exist. Some people hire lawyers who specialize in patent law to help them file the application and follow patent law. If the patent examiner believes your creation is definitely unique, you will be given a numbered patent that gives you, the holder of the patent, the right for you and only you to make and sell your invention. If your application is rejected, you can argue your case to the patent examiner. If it is rejected again, an appeal can be made to the Patent and Trademark Office Board. If this still doesn’t work, you can take your case to court. The United States is different from other countries because they issue a patent to the inventor who invented it while other countries grant the patent to the person who first applies for the patent.
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