If you have some kind of original idea and you are thinking of making a deal with a manufacturer, the very first thing they would ask is most likely a patent for your invention. However, most of those who come up with great new invention ideas usually get stuck because they do not know what to do next. Hence, invention help concerning the patenting of your idea could be the best thing that you could get to profit from your concept.

Why should you patent a new invention idea?

You may perhaps wonder why a patent is essential. After all, inventing new things could be just a hobby for you and you are enjoying what you are doing. However, the bottom line is that people aim to turn their invention idea into money. It is then important to consider protecting your ideas seriously and the only way to do it is through a patent. The legal document gives you the right to sue somebody if they try to infringe on your monopoly of your product. Without patent rights, you will have no ownership of the invention that you have conceptualized and created. In the United States, a patent issued on an invention allows the inventor to stop other people from using, producing or marketing his invention idea within the country or from importing it into the country.

There are three types of patents that are given by the patent office for new invention ideas. These are:

•    Utility Patent – this type of patent protects the rights of an individual for a novel technology such as machines, mechanisms and chemical compounds. The protection provided by a utility patent starts on the day it was granted and continues for twenty years. A utility patent is the most common among the different kinds of patents.

•    Design Patent – this type of patent protects the original ornamental design but does not cover the functioning features and philosophical ideas of a product. Because of this, the protection given by a design patent is narrower and more specific. A design patent lasts for fourteen years from the date the patent has been granted.

•    Plant Patent – this kind of patent is given in cases where a person discovers a new plant species and then reproduces it through cutting and grafting. The new plant must obviously be different from the commonly known species.

However, before going to the patent office to have your new invention or idea patented, you must first ensure that nobody else has it to avoid patent infringement. This process is called a patent search. In addition to avoiding possible legal issues with your invention, a search will also determine if a similar product has already been created but which can be modified, thereby saving you time and some money. You can search the internet for a start but keep in mind that most databases only go back twenty years. Thus, this kind of search is not fail safe.

A great place to start conducting a search is the US Patent and Trademark Office. Its website address is www.uspto.gov and it has a comprehensive list of different categories that you could use to conduct a patent search. You will also be able to find practical basic information in the site, which is a great invention help especially for a new inventor. Think as broadly as you can when doing your search. Patents are grouped under different categories and your new product will surely fit more than one.
If you decide to go ahead with patenting your latest new ideas, the first thing to do is to make a patent application at the US Patent and Trademark Office. You can go there personally or have someone, such as a patent attorney, represent you. You need to file an application that should include a full description of your new invention, illustrations and claims. Once your invention is received at the patent office, it will get a patent pending status. You do not have to present a functioning prototype of your invention at this stage.

Consider a Provisional Patent

Getting a patent for new business ideas can be costly. If money is an issue, you can start with a provisional patent application. You only need to pay fifty dollars as patent fee, which is substantially lower than a regular application. Once you have filed the application, you can then demonstrate your great invention publicly and have all rights to it for one year. A provisional patent also protects foreign patent so if there is a need to do more research before you apply for a regular patent, this option is best. A provisional application has a “patent pending” status.

Remember to Conduct your Market Research

In an attempt to create a new invention for a patent, common sense is frequently sacrificed. Never let your enthusiasm prevent you from understanding the real market situation. Failing to grasp market realities is the reason why there are absurd patents that include a toilet timer, a doghouse that can be worn and knee skates. By doing market research, you will be able to find out the best market niche for your unique idea. Keep in mind that real market scenarios are different. So even if you are getting plenty of praises for your invention from your family and circle of friends, do not forget to do your research, since it will be the consumers who will be the final judge of your new product.