Carson Patents is a Patent Services Firm/Office. We provide online expert patenting services for utility and design patents. US & International (PCT/Hague) applications welcome. Contact us to get started.
Steps to Patent an invention
A patent is the legal right to control the making, using, and selling of the invention for the length of the patent. Carson Patents will work closely with you through the following four steps to pursue a patent for your invention. We start with the prior art search. If the invention is patentable, we write and file the application. Inventions become patent pending once filed. Determining which claims become patented occurs during patent prosecution.
Step 1: Search for Prior Art.
For either utility or design applications, Carson Patents starts with a prior art search. This gives us the prior art (the products, inventions, and research) that are similar to your invention or idea. It offers insight into novelty and patentability. Further, it helps inform on what to address when writing the patent application’s description and claims. Our prior art search patent service includes a patentability study. Contact us to get started, or Buy a Search Now. If the invention is patentable, next we write the patent application.
We also offer Clearance & Freedom-to-Operate studies that include prior art searching. These studies analyze the claims of patents and patent applications.
Step 2: Write the best description (specification).
Patent application writing is second. Once we know what is prior art, then we can write a good patent application. Good searching enhances application writing. It reduces or eliminates potential rejections and objections. Professional searching can save you money. A professional search makes all the difference in writing an application for either utility or design applications.
Carson Patents writes the application for you. We draft and get your approval on everything. Your patent practitioner writes the specification and fills out all the forms. The specification includes the description, claims, and abstract. We provide any drawings needed, as well as all of the forms. Contact us to get started.
Step 3: File the patent application.
After searching, and writing the application, then we file. Patent application filing is submitting the application documents to the USPTO. We work with all types of patent applications. US or International (PCT, Hague), Provisional or Non-Provisional Utility, or Design.
Once the patent application is submitted, the invention becomes “Patent Pending.” Carson Patents files patent applications electronically. We send you an electronic receipt the day we file. After we file, the USPTO will send a filing receipt. Filing leads to prosecution. Contact us to get started.
Step 4: Prosecute the patent application.
After filing, the final step is patent prosecution. Patent prosecution is communicating with the USPTO to advance an application through examination. While it does happen that an application is submitted and the first office action is a notice of allowance, this not typical. Usually there are a couple of communications with the patent office before examination is complete.
Your patent practitioner will notify you of any communication from the USPTO. Carson Patents will explain available options, and best steps going forward. Then we prepare the response and submit it. Prosecution continues until examination is complete. Examination is complete when the USPTO issues either a notice of allowance, or a final rejection. Contact us to get started with either a utility or design patent application.
Confidentiality: Disclosures to patent practitioners are covered by client controlled privilege. Read more.
Important TIP: When looking for expert patent services online from a Patents Firm or IP/Patents Law Office, only a Patent Attorney or Patent Agent can prosecute patents. Call us.