How do I patent an invention? I live in Melbourne Australia?
By Yahoo User • Category: Patents in Australiahi wondering how to patent an invention.Also is an invention an alteration to previous inventions?
hi wondering how to patent an invention.Also is an invention an alteration to previous inventions?
I am actually in the process of patenting something right now, I have found it is MUCH cheaper if you go through a corporation that specializes in this sort of thing, to do it on your own is EXTREMELY expensive, and having the patent doesn’t really mean much now a days, if it is something that you want to get “out there” the patent won’t do that, it will only give you a nice little plaque saying you now own a patent. Good Lcuk!
I’ve received 11 or 12 patents over the years so I know a little about patents. To answer your second question first, an alteration to a previous invention can be an invention. It is considered an improvement. However, the alteration must fit the same criteria–the alteration must not be obvious.To patent an invention can be very expensive. In the US it can cost $5,000 or more and involves fees every few years in addition. I believe costs are similar in Australia. Usually you need a patent lawyer to file the papers for you. You must also file in every country in which you wish to have patent protection. There are some legal clearing houses which can file a blanket filing for a fee and give you a period of time to choose which countries you want to actually file in. The European Patent Office, for example, could cover Europe and Australia at the same time. While you decide what to do I would suggest that you write down your invention on a piece of paper; sign and date it and have someone who could understand your invention read it, and sign/date it as a witness. If you go to a company to discuss your invention, make sure you have them sign a Non Disclosure document before you discuss your invention with them. In the end, though, it all costs a lot of money and even having a patent doesn’t always protect you. Good luck and keep inventing.
Start with the U.S. Patent Office website at www.uspto.gov. They have sections on the basics of patent law and the requirements for a patent. They also have a nice searchable database where you can see if your idea has been previously patented. This should be your first step because many ideas have been patented even if they are not in commercial use. In other words, just because you don’t see it on the market doesn’t mean it hasn’t been patented. If you decide to proceed with a patent, you need a good written description of your invention, usually with drawings and good “claims”. Claims define the difference between your invention and what has been done before (known as the “prior art”) The process is complicated so get a lawyer if possible. The USPTO website has a listing of all patent attorneys. Costs vary depending on the lawyer. $4,000 is on the low side and top firms can charge $20,000 or more. Good luck.