Document your invention from the beginning if you have a good idea.If a patent is challenged, good documentation can go a long way in protecting your interests.Documentation includes maintaining receipts and correspondence related to your invention and its development as an inventor.
Step 1: Buy a notebook.
Hand-writing details about your invention on paper in a notebook is the best way to document it.Look for pages that are sewn in and a hard cover.It's more difficult for a challenger to argue that you added something after the fact.Some of the books have blank pages, while others have lines or grids.You can choose the type of paper you want.If you plan on drawing a lot of diagrams, you may want grid lines to keep your sketches neat.These blank books can be found in an office supply store.You'll want to keep your receipt in your files, so save it when you buy it.Additional proof of the date can be found in the receipt.
Step 2: Put your notebook down.
The date you started your notebook is listed on the outside front cover.It should be " #1" if it is the first notebook documenting your invention.Basic ownership information should be on the inside of the front cover.Anything that might help you should be included on the outside of your notebook.If you're working on more than one invention, you might want to include a code name for the invention that corresponds to the one in the notebook.You can write your name and contact information on the inside cover.A name for the invention might be included in the description of the notebook.
Step 3: You can choose witnesses.
Each of the pages in your notebook should be signed and dated by at least two witnesses who can verify that you entered the information on the date specified.There are many reasons that having your pages notarized isn't enough, not to mention that you could end up paying a lot of money.The main reason not to use a notary is that he won't be able to read the information on the page.The only purpose for a notary is to verify that you are the person you claim to be.He or she is not a strong witness in terms of being able to read the pages.Choose witnesses who are in a similar industry and can be counted on to understand your entries, but don't use anyone who is working with you or has an ownership stake in your invention.Two witnesses are better than one.Judges are more likely to trust information that was verified.Before you let your witnesses see your notebook, you should draft a confidentiality agreement.
Step 4: You should write your entries.
Information regarding the purpose, description, ramifications, and advantages of your invention will be included in your notebook.You will include any testing you did of the invention or prototypes you assembled.The date you wrote the information should be dated on each page.Continue to the next page and put the date at the top if the entry takes more than one page.The signatures of your witnesses should be left at the bottom of the page.Your two witnesses should also sign and date the bottom of each page.If you can, try to have your witnesses sign the pages on the same day you create the entry, so all the dates match.Don't worry about sloppiness or poor penmanship when writing your entries.Your entries should be legible.
Step 5: You can buy a box or a set of folders.
A set of folders that are closed on all sides should be used to organize other documents related to your invention.At an office supply store, you can find a number of products that will work, and choose the one that best suits your needs.Purchase your filing materials at the same time you purchase your notebook.To figure out how many different folders you'll need for the various documents associated with your invention, take a little time.You want to be able to project how much space you need.If you need to make multiple purchases of materials to build prototypes of your invention, you may need more than one folder to organize the receipts.
Step 6: The folder should be labeled for each type of document.
Since different types of documents need to be kept for different reasons, they should be organized separately so that you can easily find them.What is involved in the development of your invention will affect the different folders you have.Purchase receipts, correspondences, other deductions, and contracts are typically in a separate folder.One folder for correspondence with your patent attorney is one example of a folder that you may want for different aspects of your invention.There is no set organization method for your documents.Rather, you should organize them in a way that makes sense to you, so that you can find the documents you need quickly and easily.Make sure that everything is in chronological order.In reverse chronological order, the newest documents are at the front of the folder, but make sure you use the same method in each folder.
Step 7: To file, you need to gather documents.
Once your filing system is set up, pull together all the documents and copies related to your invention and sort them into piles.In chronological order, arrange each pile.You may need to create a new folder if you end up with a pile of documents.The size of your piles can give you an idea of which categories are easiest to use.Although you should always keep the originals, making a copy of receipts and filing the copy can keep your files more organized and reduce the chance of a small slip of paper falling out and getting lost.You can write any relevant information on the paper, such as the date and the purpose of the materials purchased, if not clear from the receipt itself.You need to write the date on any document that isn't dated.Attach any other documents or information that you can use to verify the date to the documents.
Step 8: Your filing system needs to be maintained.
The appropriate folder should be filled with any new documents related to your invention.Something important can be left out if you only do filing periodically.There are several reasons why these documents are being kept.One can provide a record of your invention and the steps you've taken to develop it, but taxes are another important reason.In the case of professional fees, such as money you pay to your attorney, these expenses may be tax deductible.
Step 9: You can download a temporary application.
While you prepare your full patent application, a provisional application can be used to give you patent protection for a year.The US Patent and Trademark Office has a website where you can download a provisional application.There are resources on the website for inventors who want to apply for a patent.Make sure your invention is eligible for patent protection by checking the eligibility requirements on the USPTO website.Your invention must be unique, non-obvious and tied to a machine.You can get patent protection for the process of the app, but you can't patent the code itself.Code is protected by copyright.
Step 10: A patent attorney can help.
You only have 12 months to complete your full application once you file your provisional application, so you can take advantage of the earlier filing date.You need to conduct a patent search to make sure no one else has patented the same invention.If you've never done a search before, you should hire a patent attorney.You will need an attorney to help you with your patent application.A full application has a lot of arcane and technical requirements.You run a high risk of having your application rejected if you do not have an attorney.Since you typically need an attorney to file your full patent, it makes sense for one to help you with your provisional application so they have a knowledge and understanding of your invention from the beginning.They can make sure you don't accidentally put something on your application that conflicts with information in your full application.If you're looking for an experienced patent attorney, look for one who has experience in your industry.You want an attorney who understands your invention.
Step 11: You have to complete your application.
The benefit of patent protection along with the ability to use an earlier filing date once your full patent is granted is provided by a provisional application.The names of all the inventors must be included in the written description of your invention.It must be accompanied by a cover sheet.The names and addresses of all inventors, the title of the invention, and the registration number of any attorney or agent who worked with you to prepare your application are listed in the cover sheet.
Step 12: Your application should be submitted.
You can use the electronic filing system on the website to file your application.You can send a hard copy through the mail.The first public disclosure of your invention should prompt you to file a provisional application.If your invention is featured in a trade magazine in January, you have until the end of the year to apply for a patent.If you want to submit your application through the mail, send a hard copy of the application and cover sheet along with the required filing fee to the Commissioner for Patents, P.O.Box 1450 is in Alexandria, Virginia.You have the right to use the words "patent pending" in relation to your invention for a year after you've filed your application.You have time to finish your application.