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Posted: 2006-09-11 / Author: Edward Bryce
Introduction To Getting A PatentIntroduction to Getting A Patent: Even if you don't invent things for a living, you might still
have a great idea. Chances are, if you actually pursued your
invention you will have found that you don't exactly have the
resources necessary to produce it yourself. Any plans you
create will need to be shipped off to someone else. How,
though, can you protect your idea from being stolen?
1. What A Patent Means
First of all, you should know that a patent is significantly
different from a copyright. All a a patent means it that you
have the exclusive rights to profit from a physical invention.
Not all inventions are physical. The most common use for
patents is for pharmaceuticals and plastics. Things like
chemical formulas like drain-o have their own patent for the
formula, for example, but the name drain-o will be protected by
a copyright instead.
2. Not Everything Can Be Patented
It might be impossible to get a patent if you show off your
physical product before you patent it. Furthermore, the more
technology and expertice is required to produce the product,
the better. Inventions that seem like a no-brainer are more
difficult to get a patent for. For example, silly putty.
3. Banned Items
You can't apply for patents on many items - a scientific or
mathematical theory or method, a work of art (books, plays,
etc. – computer programs are included), a way of doing things
(eg. a new business method). Many of these things are, instead,
covered by copyright.
4. How To Apply For A Patent
You need to visit a patent office to get a patent. First, apply
for a patent for your country with the help of a lawyer under a
strict non-disclosure agreement. Depending on where you live
this can be absurdly expensive or quite cheap. Next, file for
patents you might want for the rest of the world. Yes, you have
to file individually for every country in the world.
Alternatively, you can use the patent co-operation treaty that
allows you to apply once and eventually recieve protection in
all 126 countries signed up to the treaty.
About The Author: For more great patent related articles and
resources check out http://businessopportunityinsider.info
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