A patent is a legal document granted by a government authority that gives an inventor exclusive rights to make, use, sell, and distribute an invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date.

Patenting your invention provides legal protection, preventing others from making, using, or selling your invention without your permission. It also adds value to your invention, making it more attractive to investors and potential buyers.

The process involves conducting a patent search, preparing a detailed patent application with drawings and claims, submitting the application to the patent office, and undergoing examination by a patent examiner.

The patent process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the patent office.

A provisional patent application is a temporary filing that provides an early priority date and allows the term “patent pending” for up to one year. A non-provisional patent application is a formal application that is examined by the patent office and can lead to an issued patent.

A design patent protects the ornamental design, shape, and appearance of an invention, rather than its functional aspects.

The cost of filing a patent application varies widely based on the complexity of the invention and the type of patent. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Yes, there are maintenance fees that must be paid periodically to keep the patent in force.

To be eligible for a patent, an invention must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. It must also fall within patentable subject matter as defined by patent laws.

A patentability search determines if your invention is new and patentable by searching existing patents and publications. It helps you understand the likelihood of obtaining a patent.

A patent gives you the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing your invention without your consent.

No, you cannot patent an idea alone. You must provide a detailed description of how the idea can be implemented or practiced.

While there is no single “international patent,” you can file a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application to seek patent protection in multiple countries simultaneously.

Yes, patents are granted by individual countries, so you must file separate applications in each country where you seek protection.

A patent service company can guide you through the complex patent application process, ensuring that your application meets all legal requirements and increasing your chances of obtaining a patent.