Utility patents are classified as any patent that: has a useful purpose, is a machine, composition of matter or is an article of manufacture. Patents protect the intellectual property of an inventor within the nation of the registration. The U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) is responsible for the processing of patent registrations. Research starts before a patent application is submitted to find any and all patents previously granted that relate to your idea or invention.
Instructions
1. Conduct an online utility patent search. A patent search looks for any similar patents in the database of USPTO patents. This database contains over seven million patents, which go back as far as the 18th century. This database is searchable on the USPTO site and also on available via Google Patents---Google's advanced patent search platform.
2. Complete and submit the patent application. The application for a patent transmits via an electronic submission to the USPTO website. The application must be accompanied by labeled drawings of the invention and clearly defined claims that are easily understood by others in the related sector. A patent attorney in your state is suggested for this step, because of the legal knowledge needed to properly construct the submission package. These attorneys are skilled at the design of these application submission packages.
3. Wait for a response from the USPTO. The USPTO reviews the application and makes sure that the applicants' patent is acceptable for a patent grant. The application package is sent to specialists in the industry that work for the USPTO and reviewed for originality. When the decision is made, the USPTO contacts attorney of the applicant , and the attorney in turn contacts the client with the determination.
4. Pay the issue and publication fees. Once the positive determination is made, the applicant must pay the associated fees to have the patent issued. The issue fee and the publication fee are paid to the USPTO, and the inventor receives an official patent.
