An idea is something that comes to mind, and an invention is the realization of the idea. For example, if you have an idea for a new product and you create a prototype of it, you have made an invention.
To patent an invention means to have it legally recognized as your intellectual property. You can make money from your invention by selling licenses or giving away rights to anyone who wants to use it. Patenting your invention is one way to protect yourself from people stealing it or using it without your permission.
The process for patenting invention ideas varies depending on where you live in the world (the United States has its own system). In general, though, there are two steps:
Inventors must apply for a patent before publicly disclosing their inventions or marketing them in any way (in other words, before anyone else could see what they’ve created). Once an inventor files for a patent, there’s usually no going back — if he needs more time to work on his idea, he’ll need to file another application later on down the line.
Once an inventor has filed for a patent and received approval from the government agency responsible for issuing them (this agency varies based on region), he has full rights over his creation until 20 years after the application was filed. At this point, the patent expires and becomes public domain.
Once the patent expires, anyone can use the invention without fear of a lawsuit. This is why many people consider patents to be trade secrets: They keep competitors from copying your product or idea until you’re ready for it to go public.
As an inventor, you should be aware of the patent process and take steps to protect your product from being stolen. This can be done by filing for a provisional patent application, which is often referred to as a “PPA” or “Patent Pending”. A PPA gives you one year from the date of filing in which to file for a full patent before your idea becomes public domain.
To file for a PPA, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay the filing fee. The USPTO will then review your application and issue an official response within one year of filing. If they refuse to grant your PPA, you can still apply for a full patent by submitting more information or paying an additional fee.
It is best to get professional help from agencies , such as InventHelp, to ensure that you have a strong patent application. If your invention is truly unique and valuable, they can help you get it patented quickly.
