How to Get a Patent as a Small Business

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Are you an inventor? We all like to think we are great at inventing. In today's technological based society there are lots of openings to invent things and create intellectual property. As artificial intelligence and smart-home technology increase, there will be new opportunities to come up with new ideas.

But preparing your invention for mass production and making a profit from it is another story. If you want to know how to get a patent, read on to find out what is required in the patenting process.


1. Do Your Research

If you want to file a patent, you need to research the process for filing a patent and what that entails. This varies from country to country and from state to state.

You also need to decide if what you need is a patent or you want your product or service to be protected by copyright or trademark and intellectual property rights.

Generally, to get a patent for something, it has to be an original product, whereas to protect the intellectual property rights it has to be linked to an idea that is less tangible.

One example would be the MacBook Pro 16 inch. The brand Apple and logo will have intellectual property rights, but any original features of the laptop will be covered by the patent.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is a great tool that can help you through the process of deciding what patent you need.


2. Be Clear About What You Have Invented

You have to understand what it is about your product that is original, so before you begin investing, do some market research. Decide what your product offers that similar products don't.

Always remember that getting a patent is crucial because what you have invented or will invent could easily be invented by someone else. If they get the patent first, it will invalidate the market value of your product.


3. Write Your Application for a Patent

You have to write your application for a patent very carefully. You need to ensure that nobody else can invent a product that is similar to yours but functions in the same way. All of the parts that are original must be recorded in the patent.

You might also need a drawing, so be sure to hire these Patent Drawings Services who can ensure your product is well designed in ink as well as in print.

In order to write your application, it is advisable to get some expert advice from people who write them on a regular basis. Do your research to find someone with a good reputation and be prepared to pay them well.

You should also seek some legal and business advice once your patent is drawn up to establish how you can take your patent forward and start making some money with your intellectual property.


How to Get a Patent? Do Your Research

Getting a patent might seem difficult, but it's important you follow some of these steps to ensure you are successful and can begin making money from your invention.

Do your research both into the market you are going to enter and into the process for filing a patent in your area. Be clear about what you have invented and what's original about it.

Then seek out some experts on the patent process to ensure that you don't get caught out by other companies who could launch a similar product and undercut you.

If you are interested in reading more about how to get a patent, be sure to check out the rest of our site. Visit the Law section of our website for more information on patents, trademarks, and intellectual property legal tips.

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