USA Patent Filing
Filing a patent application is USA is a fairly complicated endeavor that one might peruse. The patent application filed without proper guidance and supervision of experts, leads to rejection, which is why it is highly recommended for the individual inventors, small, large organizations to hire an attorney or an expert to help them draft and file the patent application.
As an inventor, you'll want to act first and foremost to secure your rights - before someone else claims that they came up with the idea first. Now that USA follows first to file unlike first to invent, so it is highly recommended that if you get an Idea, file immediately after consulting with patent attorneys/agents.
Before you file patent application, make sure you get the search done.
You can use the search function at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Website as well as our patent search services to see if your idea has already been patented. For complete information on patent search click here Next, determine what kind of patent it is, so that you file the right application. To further know about what are different types of patent application please click here for comprehensive details of the various patent application filed world-wide.
Be aware that unless you know the process in-depth, you don't want to go ahead for filing as it involves lots of cost. A casual approach may lead to abandonment of your patent application. For free consultation please contact.
Filing Patent in U.S.A.:
Patent Process Overview :
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Step 1. Applicant - Has your invention already been patented?
- Search the Patent Full-Text and Full-Page Image Databases
- If already patented, end of process or try to figure out new/inventive points
- If not already patented, continue to Step 2
- Search the Patent Full-Text and Full-Page Image Databases
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Step 2. Applicant - What type of Application are you filing?
- Design Patent (ornamental characteristics)
- Plant Patent (new variety of asexually reproduced plant)
- Utility Patent (most common) (useful process, machine, article of manufacture, composition of matter)
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Step 3. Applicant - Determine Filing Strategy
- File Globally?
- Need international protection?
- File in U.S.? - continue to Step 4
- File Globally?
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Step 4. Applicant - Which type of Utility Patent Application to file?
- Provisional or
- Nonprovisional
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Step 5. Applicant - Consider expedited examination
- Prioritized Examination
- Accelerated Examination Program
- First Action Interview
- Patent Prosecution Highway
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Step 6. Applicant - Who Should File?
- File yourself (Pro Se)
- Use a Registered Attorney or Agent (Recommended)
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Step 7. Applicant - Prepare for electronic filing
- Determine Application processing fees
- Apply for a Customer Number and Digital Certificate
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Step 8. Applicant - Apply for Patent using Electronic Filing System as a Registered e-Filer (Recommended)
- About EFS Web
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Step 9. USPTO - USPTO examines application
- Check Application Status
- Allowed?
- Need international protection?
- No, continue to Step 10
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Step 10. Applicant - Applicant files replies requests for reconsideration, and appeals as necessary
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Step 11. USPTO - If objections and rejection of the examiner are overcome, USPTO sends Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) due
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Step 12. Applicant - Applicant pays the issue fee and the publication fee
- USPTO Grants Patent
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Step 13. Applicant - Maintenance fees due 3 1/2, 7 1/2, and 11 1/2 years after patent grant.
