Make Certain Your Invention is Patentable
Before you pay the application fee, you want to make sure that your invention hasn’t already been patented or that it is unique. The United States Patent and Trademark Office says your invention or idea should be unique or improve on an older invention.
Determine if There is Economic Value
You need to determine the economic value of the item you are trying to patent. The process can be costly with research, legal fees, and application fees. You need to be sure the investment to get a trademark or patent is worth the time and effort.
Do a Patent Search
There are millions of active patents and trademarks that you need to sift through to be sure your invention isn’t currently patented. You will also need to look for foreign patents. The patent search will be one of the most time-consuming aspects of the process.
You can start searching for your patent online, but you will likely need to visit a Patent and Trademark Depository Library. There are two locations in Missouri listed below:
Linda Hall Library
5109 Cherry St.,
Kansas City, MO 64110
St. Louis Public Library
1301 Olive St.,
St. Louis, MO 63103
The above steps may sound easy, but like many things, it sounds much easier than it really is and the rate of failure is high. A consultation with a patent attorney in Missouri will give you an idea of how you should embark on the patent or trademark process.
Examples of What Can Be Patented:
- Business practices and methods
- Computer hardware and software
- Fabric and fabric designs
- Medical equipment
- Pharmaceuticals
That is a narrow list of the things that can be patented. There are many other categories of things the USPTO will approve. Visit their website for more information.
