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The Process of Obtaining a Patent

A patent is issued for a new discovery, such as an idea. Inventors need to document ideas, so that they can be later refined into a real idea invention don’t always come at once, as author J.K. Rowling explains. The ideas came one by one as she sat on a train. She later incorporated these ideas into her books. A patent will protect the new discovery, so it’s vital to make a prototype to prove the idea’s viability.
Ideas evolve into inventions

The process of creating an invention is long and often involves a number of different steps. Thomas Edison, for example, started work on the incandescent lamp in 1878, inspired by the prospect of using a new kind of generator to create electric light. He also realized the commercial benefits of a larger electrical lighting system. He had a vision of lighting up an entire city district with this generator. As he developed his invention, he realized it was not simply an idea, but a new type of invention.

While the process may not be the quickest, it does ensure that you get the credit for your invention and reap the financial benefits. While most inventions take several years to develop, you can make sure that you keep at it by being creative and improving on your ideas. Inventing is not something that happens overnight, but if you keep at it, you can ensure that your ideas will become a reality and make you a success.
Patents are issued for novel discoveries

The process of obtaining a patent starts with the filing of an application. If you are able to demonstrate that your invention is novel and new, the patent office will grant you a patent. Once granted, your patent file becomes available to the public. After that, the process of obtaining an updated patent starts. Listed below are some of the steps involved in obtaining a patent. Let’s examine some of the most common types of patents.
Inventors must make a prototype

The first step in bringing an idea invention to market is making a prototype. The prototype doesn’t have to be perfect or functional, but it must be detailed enough to allow an inventor to think deeply about the idea. The prototype can be in the form of a simple drawing or 3-D model. Once the prototype is complete, the inventor can make a full-scale model of the invention. There are many kits and books available for this purpose, and for more expensive ideas, a computer-animated virtual prototype can be produced.

It is vital to make a prototype of an idea before applying for a patent. A prototype will let you see if your idea will sell. A prototype also allows you to show it to potential lenders and licensees. Creating a prototype will also give you the opportunity to change or add a feature later on. If you do not make a prototype, you will lose the opportunity to make changes to the product after patenting.
Inventors must work with a company

If you are serious about making your idea a reality, you need to work with a company that values the role of inventors. Look for companies that have an internal department dedicated to reviewing and evaluating product submissions, otherwise known as “Inventor Relations.” If you find that the company has no Inventor Relations department, that’s a red flag. A company that doesn’t respond to your emails in a reasonable amount of time is likely not a good partner.

One of the major differences between manufacturing and licensing is that licensing requires less up-front investment, while manufacturing requires much more initial set-up and staffing. Licensing your idea also means you’ll have fewer upfront costs to deal with, and you’ll avoid the headache of dealing with business issues. But this route may not be right for everyone. If you have the funds to do it yourself, consider licensing your idea.
Inventors must protect their ideas

As an inventor, it is crucial to protect your ideas and inventions. Inventors often draw upon the technical knowledge of previous generations and build upon it. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that other people are working on similar problems. Hence, it is necessary to protect your inventions as early as possible. It is said that sixty percent of companies have new products that have been copied in the first year of launch. Although it is not an absolute guarantee that no one else will come up with the same idea, it does provide you with a proof that yours is a good idea. This is a fact that should not be taken lightly.

Inventors must protect their ideas and inventions through intellectual property rights (IPRs). Inventions are the bedrock of innovation. They are new solutions to existing technical problems. Patents protect these ideas and inventions and create opportunities for trade, sales, and merchandising. In some countries, patents are necessary for an inventor to protect his or her creations. Inventors should protect their ideas through patents in order to make sure that others can’t copy them.

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