Four Steps to Patenting an Invention
Carson Patents has four steps to seeking a patent for a utility or design invention. The four steps are: [1] search, [2] write, [3] file, and [4] prosecute. We start with the prior art search. If the invention is patentable, then we write and file the application. Inventions become patent pending once filed. Determining which claims become patented occurs as we prosecute the patent application. Carson Patents will work closely with you through the following four steps to pursue a patent for your invention. Contact us about any of the steps to patenting for your invention or idea.
Step 1: Prior Art Search & Patentability Evaluation
Step one is the prior art search and patentability evaluation. Carson Patents offers utility patent searching and design patent searching. The prior art search finds prior art (the products, inventions, and research) that are similar to the invention or idea. The patentability evaluation offers insight into novelty and patentability. Further, it helps inform on what to address when writing the patent application’s description and claims.
Carson Patents prior art search patent service includes a patentability study. The prior art documents are reviewed to determine whether the claims of an invention are patentable. If the invention is patentable, next we write the patent application. Contact us to start a search for your invention or idea.
Step 2: Write the Description & Claims
Step two is patent application writing. Carson Patents offers both utility application writing and design application writing. Once we know what is prior art, then we can write a good patent application.
Carson Patents writes the application for you. We draft and get your approval on everything. Your patent agent writes the specification and fills out all the forms. The specification includes the description, claims, and abstract. We provide any drawings needed. Contact us to write an application for your invention.
Important TIP: Good searching is imperative to proper application writing. Searching guides good claim writing by finding existing similar claims.
Step 3: File the Patent Application
Step three is filing the patent application. Carson Patents provides both utility patent filing and design patent filing. 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 about filing your invention’s patent application.
Step 4: Prosecute the Patent Application
Step four is prosecuting the patent application. Carson Patents offers both utility patent prosecution and design patent prosecution. Prosecution for patent applications is communicating with the USPTO to advance an application through examination. Because they are more complex, utility applications usually require more office action responses than design applications do.
We will notify you of any communication from the USPTO. Carson Patents will explain available options, and best steps going forward. We can also prepare and submit a response to the patent office. 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 prosecute your patent application.
A patent is the legal right to control the making, using, and selling of the invention for a limited time. In the United States, utility and design patents are issued for different lengths of time. Utility patents are issued for 20 years from the filing date. Design patents are issued for 15 years date of issuance. 
Confidentiality: Disclosures to patent practitioners are covered by client controlled privilege. Read more.
Important TIP: When looking for expert patenting services online from a Patents Firm/Office, only a Patent Attorney or Patent Agent can prosecute patents.
Steps to Patent: Patenting Services by a USPTO Registered Patent Agent to [1] search, [2] write, [3] file, and [4] prosecute a patent application for your invention. | Patenting Experience. | Biomedical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering Experience. | Contact Carson Patents to get started.