Invention Protection
Provisional Patents
The first step an inventor should take to protect their new product is to file a Provisional Patent Application with the USPTO. A Provisional application is a short and easy form that registers an invention with the USPTO and permits the term "Patent Pending" to be applied in connection with the invention (USPTO). A provisional application is much easier to fill out than a formal patent. Only the inventor's name, address, semi-detailed product description, and $85 filing fee are needed to receive a provisional filing with the USPTO.
With a Provisional application, an inventor can protect their product for sale quickly without the hassle and lengthy time period required to file a full Patent application. After filing a Provisional Patent, the inventor has 12 months to perform a patent search, gather information, make drawings, raise filing fees, and file for a full patent.
The right to add "Patent Pending" to a product shows potential competitors that the inventor has taken steps to protect themselves. If a competitor tries to file a patent for a product that is already "Patent Pending", the first inventor wins; the second application will not be legally binding.
Paper outline
- Protecting inventions
- Manufacturing the product
- Getting resources and financing
- Testing the market
- Preparing products for market
- Closing thoughts
- Download the entire paper
Check out the Silent Timer Web site to see the product Erik took to market. Contact him with any questions.
