Obtaining a patent is a complex and lengthy process, but it can be broken down into five steps. The actual cost of filing a patent is only a small part of the total cost of obtaining a patent. The fee is usually a few hundred dollars, with discounts available for small entities such as small businesses and individual inventors. It is highly recommended to hire a patent lawyer to ensure that your application is processed correctly and includes all the necessary information.
Patent attorneys have the expertise and knowledge needed to determine the patentability of your invention. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently appointed Thomas W. Holcombe as the agency's Chief Information Officer and released revised guidance on subject eligibility under 35 U. S.
C. Utility patents are the most common type of patent, as they protect the way an invention works and is manufactured. At this point, you must file either a utility patent or a design patent to maintain the pending status of your invention. If you are not ready to invest in a patent but want to protect your rights, you can file a provisional patent.
It is important to try to ensure patentability before hiring a patent lawyer. The “poor man” patent is an outdated concept that suggests an inventor can mail himself a description of his invention and obtain some legal protection. Filing for a patent can be expensive, but it is worth it if you want to protect your invention from being copied or used without your permission. Hiring an experienced patent attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Knowing what to expect in terms of costs and timelines can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue a patent.
