McCombs School of Business
Knowledge

Invention Protection
Formal Patents

A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the USPTO. Generally, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date on which the application for the patent was filed in the United States. Before 12 months pass after filing for a Provisional Patent, a Non-Provisional patent must be filed. For the inventor to retain the rights to the invention it is important to take the time necessary to correctly fill out the application; one error could mean an invalid patent in a law suit. The time involved in filling out an application varies depending on the complexity and nature of the product.

For example, if the product is a complex chemical formula involved in the replication of certain DNA elements, preparing a patent application correctly could take a full year. On the other hand, filling out an application for a new and special paper weight would be quick and easy.

There are several sections and steps to a patent application. All of them must be successfully completed and filed for a patent to be assigned to the inventor. The application for a patent is not forwarded for examination until all required parts, complying with the rules, are received (USPTO). A non-provisional application for a patent is made to the Commissioner for Patents and includes the following:

  • A written document which contains description and claims, and an oath or declaration
  • A drawing in those cases in which a drawing is necessary
  • The filing fee - Filing fees vary depending on the type of invention;

Paper outline

Check out the Silent Timer Web site to see the product Erik took to market. Contact him with any questions.

 

 
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