Filing a patent is not a simple process. It’s not just that the process itself can be complicated. You also have to do a lot of research before deciding to file for a patent and protection of your intellectual property. If you feel a bit overwhelmed, that’s understandable. That’s why an Orange County, California patent lawyer from our firm is ready to help you with this.
What is the First Step in My Patent Research?
First, you need to do a “prior art” search. This means looking through databases and publications to figure out two things. You must make sure that your invention is:
- New and truly novel
- Non-obvious
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has its own database, as does the World Intellectual Property Organization. It can also be helpful to look through publications that cover your industry. If you can show that your invention is actually something new and not something that anyone with knowledge of your field could have come up with, then that’s something that you’ll want to patent.
What Other Research is Necessary?
Now, just because it initially seems like applying for a patent is a good idea, that doesn’t mean that you should do it. You should do a bit more research to see if this is truly the best path forward. You want to learn:
- If the current market would support your invention
- What kinds of competition your invention would face
- How big the potential market for your invention would be
- Whether your invention is something that’s practical to build on a larger scale
- If there are any challenges or limitations that could end up facing your invention
Knowing whether you can patent your invention is one thing, but knowing if you should is another thing entirely. With the proper research you can save yourself and your company some time, money, and legal headaches.
Do I Really Need a Patent Lawyer?
Doing the research needed to determine if you should apply for a patent is not an easy task. There’s a lot to look into and it’s easy to miss things when you file for patent protection all by yourself. A lawyer can help you conduct the search and develop a strategy that ensures that you do not overlook anything. A lawyer can also help you with the rest of the patent application process and any complications you encounter.
Contact Our Firm Today
So if you have an invention or an idea that needs a patent, don’t jump into this process all by yourself. Contact Burns Patent Law and schedule a meeting with an experienced attorney who can help you. We’ll make protecting your intellectual property as simple and stress-free as possible.
