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Patent Process
As an inventor knowing patent process is a very important requirement. This could help your bid in securing a patent. The invention could be worth millions of dollars which could justify the trouble of going through the patent process. The patent process could be greatly facilitated by the aid of patent lawyers or agent. But inventors can do the job themselves.
Probably the most basic step on patent process is to determine if the invention is patentable. This plays a huge factor during the patent process. The result of the evaluation will determine if you push through with the application for patent or not.
The following suggestions help you with the patent process:
1. Keep a careful record of your invention. In this patent process you are required to record every step of the invention process in a notebook. Sign and date each entry and have two reliable witnesses sign as well.
2. Make sure your invention qualifies for patent protection. In this patent process you need to show how your invention works. It must be different in some important way from all previous inventions. It also cannot be for sale or be known about for more than a year before you apply for a patent.
3. Assess the commercial potential of your invention. This patent process demands that you research the market you hope to enter.
4. Do a thorough patent search. This patent process entails that you need to search all the earlier developments in your field. You will be able to prepare a strong patent application.
5. Prepare and file an application with the USPTO. In this patent process you choose to file a full-blown regular patent application (RPA) or you can file a provisional patent application (PPA) on the invention at USPTO.
After the application has been filed in the USPTO, it is assigned to a patent examiner. The next step on the patent process is for the patent examiner to make an exhaustive review on the application. This is done through correspondence with the examiner, discussions in person or by telephone, and perhaps doing some amendments to the claims. If the invention is not patentable, the applicant can appeal to the USPTO's Board of Appeals. This phase on patent process requires the aid of a patent lawyer. If the Board's decision is unfavorable, a further appeal may be taken by the patent lawyer to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
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