4 Basic Patent Tips For Inventors and Entrepreneurs
One thing all investors want to know when it comes to hearing a business proposal about a new product is the status of that product patent. Do you own it? Do you have permission to use it from someone else? Is this 100% original? Do you even know what a patent is?! For all of you inventors-slash-entrepreneurs, this one is for you.
[success]1. Applications[/success]
First of all, get a hold of a patent application. This is the best and most sure-fire way for you to determine if a) anyone else has a patent on the product you’ve created and b) if it’s a good idea to begin with. From there, the patent office will let you know if it’s been granted or denied and you can move on with your idea.
[success]2. Location[/success]
You’ll need to know what kind of patent you’re applying for. Is it national, regional, or international? Someone may own the same patent in Asia but not in North America, in which case it’s fair game. But if the patent is owned internationally, then it’s back to the drawing board. Also, there are different procedures to follow when applying for a patent, different countries have different laws – make sure you’re well versed in your local patent rules and regulations.
[framed_box width=”0″ height=”0″]Related Topic: Consultation Fixation [/framed_box]
[success]3. Type[/success]
Another thing to make sure of is that you’re applying for a patent in the appropriate sub-division. This is just plain common sense, but you’d be surprised how often people make this simple mistake. Patents have a wide range, from machinery to garments and all the way through to secret recipes (coca-cola, for example).
[success]4. Continuation[/success]
If you’ve already got a patent on a product or super cool invention, make sure you check the date on it and keep track of when you’ll have to reapply, patents aren’t lifetime guarantees, they need to renewed. Another reason to apply for continuation is because if there have been any changes made to the product, it must be included in the patent, otherwise someone else could come up with the same thing and take the patent out from under your feet.
[error] How have you inventors and entrepreneurs dealt with patents in the past? Was this post helpful? We want to hear from you in the comments! [/error]
Hey Guys
such a good blog and post . keep writing I am always following your post.
Dick
I watch Dragon’s Den a lot and many people have troubles with patents and people end up stealing their ideas through loop holes. These are good tips for beginners!