Getting a patent can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers a program that guarantees the examination and issuance of a patent within one year. This is the fastest way to get a patent, but it requires some preparation. To help you get your patent quickly and easily, here is a step-by-step guide on what you need to know.
The first step is to interview the inventor. This is an essential part of the process, as it allows the patent attorney to obtain as much information as possible about the invention. This information will be used to draft the patent application and review it based on the inventor's comments. The next step is to draft the patent application. This can take anywhere from 30 to 40 hours, depending on the complexity of the invention.
Once the application is drafted, it should be reviewed by the inventor for accuracy and completeness. Once the application is complete, it should be submitted to the USPTO for examination. This is where the one-year guarantee comes in. The USPTO guarantees that they will examine and issue a patent within one year of submission, provided that the invention is worthwhile. In addition to submitting the application to the USPTO, you may also want to consider conducting a search for patentability or a search for freedom of operation. These are separate optional services that can help you determine if your invention is eligible for a patent or if there are any potential conflicts with existing patents. Finally, you may want to consider making a special request for accelerated treatment of your application.
The USPTO has published statistics showing that this can significantly reduce waiting times. However, this option is only available for certain types of applications, such as utility applications and continuations and divisions. Getting a patent quickly and easily is possible with the right preparation and knowledge. By following these steps, you can ensure that your invention is examined and issued within one year.
