How can I protect my invention?
To protect your interests, consider two common strategies employed by inventors, amateur and professional alike. First, you can file a provisional patent application (if your invention is patentable). Second, you can use a nondisclosure agreement (regardless of whether it is patentable).
What can and Cannot be patented?
According to the Patents Act, an invention cannot only constitute:
- a discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method,
- an aesthetic creation,
- a scheme, rule or method for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business, or a computer program,
- a presentation of information,
What should be invented?
Things That Should Be Invented
- Machine that makes the beds.
- Necklace de-tangler.
- Spray on wrapping paper.
- Parking spot tracker.
- Transparent toaster or knife that toasts the bread as you slice it.
- Faucet that makes hot water glow red and cold water glow blue.
- Booth that sprays you with sunscreen all over.
- Rewindable microwave.
How do inventions work?
Ideas for an invention may be developed on paper or on a computer, by writing or drawing, by trial and error, by making models, by experimenting, by testing and/or by making the invention in its whole form. Inventions may also become more useful after time passes and other changes occur.
What is the longest patent?
The longest patent is U.S. Patent No. 6,314,440 for Pseudo Random Number Generator, with 3,333 pages, (3,272 of which are drawings). Slightly shorter, but much wordier, is U.S. Patent No. 5,146,591, with more than one million words on 3,071 pages.
How did inventions change people’s lives?
To answer the question, it changed the economy by expanding it, and providing more chances and opportunities, opening more and new jobs almost every day. It allowed people to live a more civilized lie style, no longer did people spend their entire lives working on farms for a living.
What are good invention ideas?
The 80 Most Amazing Creative Inventions and Concept Designs
- It’s a real pillow fight! Our world would be a better and safer place if people used these pillows to fight each other.
- A thundercloud lamp.
- A heat/cold charging device.
- A sign projector for bike riders.
- A bookmark lamp.
- A bathsphere.
- ‘The Loch Ness monster’ ladle.
- A balloon-shaped lamp.
Can I protect my idea without a patent?
Patents protect inventions. Neither copyrights or patents protect ideas. In and of themselves, however, ideas are not monetarily valuable. Without some identifiable manifestation of the idea there can be no intellectual property protection obtained and no exclusive rights will flow.
What happens after 20 years of a patent?
In the United States, a patent protects the inventor for 20 years from the filing date of the earliest application for patent protection. After this period, the invention passes into the public domain, and this can result in a dramatic loss of income for the company or individual who previously held the patent.
How do you protect a patent?
So what’s the best way to protect your invention? If your invention is patentable, you need to file for a provisional patent right away. If your invention is not patentable, make sure you have potential customers sign a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA).
Where do I go if I have an invention?
Visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website and investigate any patents on items like the one you want to invent. If you have questions or want to be sure your invention is legal for you to create and sell, consult with an attorney specializing in patents and IP law.
Do all patents expire?
Eventually, patents do expire. While a patent will remain in force for a period of time, eventually it is considered to be no longer in effect. The patented invention then becomes freely usable by others. Patent terms, if maintained correctly, vary but generally go for up to 20 years.
What is the purpose of inventions?
An invention uses technology to solve a specific problem. The technical features of an invention have a function through which the problem – the purpose of the invention – is solved. The technical character necessary for patenting requires that the laws of nature are used to achieve the objective.
Is a patent still active?
A patent may be enforced starting on the date it is issued by the USPTO (its “Issue Date”), and running for the length of its term, unless it expires earlier. After the patent expires, the invention is available to all. To determine if a patent is still in force, you will need access to the USPTO’s website.
How do I copyright my invention?
Steps to Filing a Patent Application
- Keep a Written Record of Your Invention. Record every step of the invention process in a notebook.
- Make Sure Your Invention Qualifies for Patent Protection.
- Assess the Commercial Potential of Your Invention.
- Conduct a Thorough Patent Search.
- Prepare and File an Application With the USPTO.
What inventions changed the world?
Top 10 Inventions That Changed the World
- Introduction. (Image credit: igor.stevanovic / Shutterstock.com)
- The wheel. (Image credit: James Steidl | Shutterstock)
- The nail. (Image credit: alexcoolok | Shutterstock)
- The compass. (Image credit: Typo | Creative Commons)
- The printing press.
- The internal combustion engine.
- The telephone.
- The light bulb.
How do I sell my invention?
Three Steps to Selling Your Idea
- Know your market. This means gathering as much feedback as possible on your own invention idea.
- Do some legal legwork. Go as far as you can to determine if your invention is patentable or if it can be produced without infringement on other filed patents.
- Look into production.
How do inventions help us?
Inventions improve our lives in many ways. They make our tasks easier, entertain us, improve our knowledge of the world, and even save lives. Think about it: Make a list of inventions that make your life easier, better or simply more fun.
How do I start my invention?
5 Steps for Turning Your Invention Idea Into a Product
- Step 1: Document It. Image credit: Shutterstock.
- Step 2: Research It. Image credit: Shutterstock.
- Step 3: Make a Prototype. Image credit: Shutterstock.
- Step 4: File a Patent. Image credit: Shutterstock.
- Step 5: Market Your Invention. Image credit: Shutterstock.
What modern invention changed the world?
Great modern inventions include electric motor, telephones, computers, plastic and aeroplanes. The invention of the electric dynamo by Michael Faraday opened up the practical use of electricity – from transport to power tools and home appliances.