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 during patent prosecution.
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.
Step 1: Prior Art Search & Patentability Study.
Step one is the prior art search and patentability study. Carson Patents starts all patent applications with a prior art search and patentability study. We offer both 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. It 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 anticipated by anything discovered. Contact us to start a search for your invention. If the invention is patentable, next we write the patent application.
Step 2: Write 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.
Important TIP: 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.
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.
Step 3: File the Patent Application.
After searching in step one, and writing in step two, step three is filing the application. Patent application filing is submitting the application documents to the USPTO. Carson Patents provides both utility patent filing and design patent filing. 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 to prosecute 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. For utility patent applications, there are usually a couple of office actions or communications with the patent office before examination is complete. For design patent applications, there are usually not many office actions or communications before examination is complete.
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 patent services online from a Patents Firm or IP/Patents Law Office, only a Patent Attorney or Patent Agent can prosecute patents.
Steps to Patent: Patent Services by a USPTO Registered Patent Agent to [1] search, [2] write, [3] file, and [4] prosecute a patent application for your invention. Biomedical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering Experience. Contact Carson Patents to get started.