Why get a patent
A U.S. Patent will give you a monopoly on your invention for a limited length of time. The length is 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. It typically takes 3 years between filing the application and granting of a patent. So, the average length of the monopoly is 17 years.
Our mission: To provide this monopoly at a reasonable price so it is available to garage inventors.
The Steps in the Patenting Process:
1. Patent Application Preparation
Draft the patent application, including claims, description, drawings, and abstract.
2. File Application
Submit the application to the USPTO, either electronically (EFS-Web) or via mail.
3. Initial Processing
Receipt and Filing Date
USPTO assigns a filing date and application number.
Initial Review
Check for formal requirements (e.g., fees, format).
4. Patent Application Publication
Application is published 18 months from the earliest filing date, unless a non-publication request is made.
5. Examination Process
Assignment to Examiner
An examiner is assigned to review the application.
First Office Action
Examiner issues a first office action, which may include rejections or requirements for amendments.
Applicant Response
Applicant responds to the office action, possibly amending the claims or providing arguments.
Subsequent Office Actions
Additional office actions may be issued, and responses are required until the examiner is satisfied.
6. Notice of Allowance
If the examiner is satisfied, they issue a Notice of Allowance, indicating that the application is allowed but not yet granted.
7. Issue Fee Payment
Applicant must pay the issue fee to have the patent granted.
8. Patent Issuance
Grant of Patent
Once the issue fee is paid, the patent is granted, and a patent number is assigned.
Patent Certificate
A patent certificate is issued and published.
9. Post-Issuance
Maintenance Fees
Patent maintenance fees must be paid at 4-year intervals to keep the patent in force.
Maintenance fees are due at the 4th, 8th and 12th year anniversaries of the patent grant.