Home / The Patent Process
The Patent Process
Video Series
A patent is a protected foundation for your innovation. Done properly, it’s also an important investment in your business.
Legally speaking, a patent prevents others from infringing on your invention in the marketplace. But getting a patent can be complicated. That’s why we pride ourselves on smoothly guiding you through this process. In this video series, we’ll outline the entire patent process. We’ll clearly explain how we can help. We’ll also give you some tips that will position you for success in getting across the patent finish line.
Intro to Six Videos Series | 1.38
There are different types of patents and it can be important to know which one is right for you and your invention, and which one will provide the most comprehensive protection. It can also be really important to make sure your invention is even patentable in the first place, as there are some concepts and inventions that are not patentable for one reason or another. Next Video > | Before You Start A Patent Project
Rich Goldstein (00:04):
Years ago, I made a series of videos that explains in plain English, how patents work, how the patent process works. And, um, you know, the day that I shot those videos, it was really hot in the studio. And I was sweating. I had a big pimple on my forehead. Uh, my suit didn’t fit very well. Um, I think I got a, you know, a little bit silly and carried away in my mannerisms and my kind of New York way of being. Um, but you know, over the years, tens of thousands of people have watched those videos and people have told me how helpful they were, how much, um, they, um, you know, how, how much they help them to understand how to take the right steps with regard to patenting their invention. So I’ve left them up. I mean, like, I guess what I’m saying is they were a little embarrassing, but they were really effective.
Rich Goldstein (00:55):
And I look at them now and they’re so dated. Uh, I mean, like it, you know, it was done 10 years ago, but it almost looks like it was done in the seventies. I had a goatee back then and I was younger and it just, I feel it’s time to do something new. And so I created a new series of videos in which I preserved a lot of what worked in those videos. Um, but I’ve given it a new twist and I’ve updated it. And so I’m pleased to present to you my updated series that you need to watch before you attempt patenting your product.
Our Patent Process
While no two patents are ever the same, the process to secure one generally follows the same flow. If you decide to move forward with us, here’s a likely timeline of what you can expect:
Discovery Conversation
You’ll start by speaking with someone on our project development team about your invention. During this conversation, we’ll explore if a patent evaluation makes sense for your goals.
You can book this by calling [need phone number] or on our website, on a day and time that works best for you.
Patent Evaluation I: Kick-off Meeting
Patent Evaluation II: Prior Art Search
Patent Evaluation III: Findings
One option is to pursue a provisional patent application, which allows you to establish an early filing date on record —but it does not grant any legal protection for your invention.
This can be a good option if you are concerned others may steal your idea soon, but you need more time to finalize your invention.
One of our attorneys will prepare your provisional patent application — and we’ll have draftsman create your patent drawings.
Once the draft application has been prepared, you’ll review and approve it. After that, we’ll file your application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
It’s important to note that the provisional patent application is just an optional first step toward a non-provisional patent application, which provides true legal protection for your idea.
Please note that once a provisional application has been filed, you have 12 months to convert it to a non-provisional application. It takes about 3 months to convert a provisional patent application to a non-provisioinal patent application.
Another option is to file a non-provisional patent application, which entitles you to pursue legal action against anyone who infringes on your invention.
One of our attorneys will prepare your non-provisional patent application — and we’ll have draftsman create your patent drawings.
Once the draft application has been prepared, you’ll review and approve it. After that, we’ll file your application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).