Inventing an invention can be a fascinating topic for those with an inventive streak but sometimes innovation ideas get lost in the maze of an already established product or service. When it comes to capitalizing off your invention ideas, there are a few things that can help you to be first to market. The first step in making sure that your invention gets the credit it deserves is establishing legal ownership rights to the item. Without this ownership right, you will not profit from your invention-only by claiming it first, you will receive the credit. If you can establish legal ownership of the item, there are some simple ways to do this.
First, determine whether you have competitive advantages over your competitors. Is there a unique design, technology, or manufacturing process that your competitors do not have? The key here is to identify if there are any significant differences between your product and those of your competitors. For instance, if one company has created a new method for producing batteries, and another is already making high quality batteries, it may be a good idea for your company to follow suit. There are many things that distinguish products from competitors, and by identifying these differences, you may be able to design and manufacture your product so that it is distinctly different.
Once you know that there are some distinct features about your invention ideas that make them unique, it is time to move to the second step of protecting your invention ideas. This next step requires the input of patent attorneys, who says gibberish about what should not be covered by the patent. This step includes determining what counts as an “invention” and what does not. It also takes into consideration whether your invention was “obvious” (a mere idea that would be obvious to a person having normal skill and knowledge of the field). Patent law specifically tells us what should not be considered an invention.
Once you know what is not allowed, it is time to start drafting the wording of the patent. This drafting should take into account all of the factors that distinguish your invention from those of your competitors. Each of the factors, such as utility, design, novelty, distinctness, trade secrets, machine or manufacture, results in a unique patent. There are many books available that explain exactly what should be included and excluded when drafting the patent application.
It is important to note that not all inventions are protected by patent. Some inventions simply serve a useful purpose. For example, a pair of scissors is certainly more useful than a pair of pliers, or a screwdriver is more useful than a screw. However, for more inventive inventions, patent protection becomes essential. As mentioned earlier, many different elements combine to define what can and cannot be patented. A qualified patent attorney will help you determine which of these elements are important to include in your invention.
Invention ideas can be more difficult to obtain, but it is possible. There is also the possibility of going through the steps above and coming up with a brilliant idea on your own. In most cases though, it will be necessary to work with a qualified patent attorney who is able to make sense of the technical jargon used by the patent office, and determine whether your invention would qualify under any given set of rules. While this might seem like a big step, it is probably a necessary one in order to put your invention into the legal sunlight. And while it might cost you a little bit of money upfront to pay someone to search and file for your patent, it is often well worth it if it means that your invention gets a fair shot at being made into a real business opportunity.