When someone refers to “inventors' rights,” many immediately think of their invention and how they can protect it. While this may be the case for individuals, a business entity must also register its intellectual property with the government in order to protect it. This is called “patenting” and can be a complex process. If you're looking to 특허출원 your invention, there are several steps you must follow. The following will discuss how to patent your invention for commercial purposes.
Determine If You're Eligible For A Patent
The first step is to determine if you're eligible for a patent. You may be wondering if you've invented something that is worthy of being patented. You can contact the US Patent and Trademark Office to find out more about what is required to be eligible for a patent. Or, you can search for existing patents that are similar to yours. If you find that your invention is already patented, then it's a good idea to contact the patent owner and request a license for your invention.
Inventor Assigned To The Patent
After you've found a patent that is similar to your invention, the next step is to find out who is assigned to the patent. You must determine if the inventor is willing to license the patent to you or if a company named “X” holds the exclusive rights to it. You can contact the inventor assigned to the patent to find out more about this. Remember, you must disclose your identity when contacting the inventor.
Take Advantage Of The Inventor's Expertise
Once you've established contact with the inventor, you can inquire about their level of expertise regarding your specific area of invention. You can find out what publications the inventor has published and whether or not they are available for purchase. This step is important because it allows you to determine if the inventor is someone you can trust to handle your invention properly. If the inventor does not have the requisite experience, then it's not a good idea to rely on them to guide you through the process.
Obtain The Invention Documented
An inventor's understanding of their invention can be very specific and difficult to document. This is why it's important to get expert help from engineers, scientists, or other skilled individuals who can document your invention. If you don't know how to document your invention, then it may be a good idea to hire an expert. Be sure to get a written proposal prior to making any payment. This will help ensure that you're not being scammed by an expert who doesn't deliver as promised.
Create A Prototype Or Actual Working Version Of The Invention
A prototype or an actual working version of your invention is essential in order to determine its feasibility. You can build a mockup of your invention using cardboard, drywall, or plastic. You should also consider taking more elaborate measures, such as 3D printing. If you don't have the money for a 3D printer, then you can look into companies that provide free 3D print services for startups. After you've created a prototype, it's essential that you test it out by operating it in some form or another. The best way to do this is by actually using it. However, this can be difficult if you're patenting an electrical invention.
File The Patent Applications
Once you've tested your invention and confirmed it's functionality, it's time to file for patents. There are several apps and services that can make the process easier for you. First, you must decide which patents you'd like to apply for and which ones you'd like to study before you apply. It's also important to determine how you'd like to file your patent application. There are five different ways to file patents in the US, so take some time to research which one is the best for you.
Study The Already Existing Patents
If you've established contact with the inventor of an already existing patent and they are willing to give you permission to study their invention, then it's a good idea to do so. This will not only give you a leg up in the patent process, but it can also provide you with valuable information that can help you improve your invention.
Obtain A License To Use The Invented In Another Country
The United States allows its citizens to do business all over the world. However, this does not mean that all businesses are created equal. Some countries, like China, do not offer the same protections to their intellectual property that the US does. If you're establishing a business in another country, then it's important to consider the regulations and laws that are in place regarding IP protection. Obtaining a license to use an invented in another country can be very difficult and often times, the entity that owns the patent may not even allow you to use it. If this is the case, then you'll have to find a way to work around this issue. Searching for a viable alternative can help you find the answers you're looking for.
Consider Patents For Your Product Line
Once you've established a business in another country, you can begin to consider the protection of your intellectual property from overseas entities. The best course of action for an inventor is to seek patents for their individual inventions and then consider applying for a patent on the entire product line. If you do not yet have any existing patents, then you can begin the patent application process. However, this is a complex process and it's best to hire experienced attorneys who specialize in this area of law.