How to File Non-Provisional Patent Applications?
A patent helps to protect your rights to profit and use something that you invent. Most businesses and individuals will have a patent attorney or agent to represent them during their patent application. It is especially so for sophisticated technology, where there is a chance for litigation. However, for most other matters, it is possible to file a patent application without legal assistance. In the US, the US Patent and Trademark Office do the approval and examination of patents. If you want to apply for a non-provisional license, it is valid for 20 years. Here at pandapatent.com, we have prepared a few steps to help guide you through the process.
- Come up with a detailed description
When coming up with this description, ensure that you include drawings, specifications, and prose. Additionally, it is important for to you to add graphs that describe your invention. The description should contain details that would enable a manufacturer to create your product without the need for further explanation. It helps to ensure that you can launch a legal suit and win if your idea is used by someone else without your knowledge. Now you can proceed to file your application patent.
- Come up with a draft patent claim
In this draft, it is essential to describe what feature, such as collapsible frames, which may require legal protection under the patent. In this step, you have to prove how the unique features make it a useful and unique invention. Go into as much detail as possible to demonstrate how these elements add utility, which did not previously exist.
- Come up with an abstract
The abstract is a short introduction to your patent application. This abstract needs to be short and concise. In most cases, it should not be more than 150 words. Describe what your invention is and how the main components of the device work. In this abstract, you can also describe the name of your new patent.
- Ensure there are digital copies
It is essential that you create digital copies of claims, abstract, and descriptions. It will make it easy for you to lounge a complaint in case someone decides to violate your rights to your invention.
- Visit the USPTO Website
On the website of the USPTO, visit the EFS-Web and register there. Provide accurate details about yourself during the registration process as this can be used to deny you rights to the patent. That means you have to get the spelling of your name and address right. Take time and double check for accuracy. After that, you will be issued with a digital certificate and a unique customer number. You should also upload the patent application materials on the USPTO site.
- Fill in the Application Transmittal Form
This form is merely a cover sheet for the application. At this point, you will be required to provide a mailing address and some basic facts about the application. It is crucial that you take time to consider each detail that you feel in and ensure that it is accurate.
- Fill in the Fee Transmittal Form
Once you fill in this form, it will be used to calculate how much you should pay. Do not leave out details in the hope of paying less. It could prove costly later.
- Fill in the Declaration for Utility form
Alternatively, you can fill in the Design patent application form. It is essential that you list your name and contact details. If there is more than one person involved, fill in the details of every inventor. If the others are not of US citizenship, declare which country they originate. If any foreign patent applications have been filed, you should also declare them. You will also be required to state that the inventors listed are the first ones to invent the technology that you are patenting.
- The Application Data Sheet
When you get to this sheet, you will find detailed instructions, which are provided by the USPTO. In this form, you will have to provide bibliographical data on yourself. If you have filed ant patents in the past, which are related to this application, you have to offer them.
- Submit all documents
After you are done filling out all the forms, now you can file them using the EFS-Web filing system. Check them for accuracy one last time before doing this.
- Pay the fee
This fee is usually a few hundred dollars. You can use a credit or debit card to remit the payment. It will be done via an electronic funds transfer system. You can also do this from the USPTO deposit account.
- Respond to queries
After you apply, you will often receive questions from the USPTO. Take time and analyze all questions before sending a reply. You may also be asked to conduct multiple revisions to your application. If you do not agree with the USPTO request for reviews, submit detailed reasons for your arguments.
- Pay a patent issuance fee
When the patent goes through, you will be requested to pay an issuance fee. This price will be several hundred dollars.