(Newswire.net — March 31, 2019) — The most important step any innovator can take after completing a new invention is to obtain a patent. In the United States, this means you must register with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by preparing a detailed application that completely describes the invention and includes illustrations of the invention’s design.
John Gizowski, La Grange based engineer and project manager, has a proven track record for getting the job done. He is the primary inventor on 3 new products and 4 new manufacturing processes resulting in utility patent launches, taking projects from charter through production, then lessons learned.
Below, Mr. Gizowski explains that if you want your hard-earned work to remain your own, it is imperative that you seek patent protection.
Patent protection is beneficial to inventors primarily because it creates a public record of the invention. It ensures that no other person or company can copy your invention, use it, or profit from it in any way. Another benefit of a patent is that it can help you obtain the necessary resources for your invention by increasing the value of your invention to potential investors. After the patent is granted, an inventor can also benefit financially by licensing or assigning the patent to another.
Before applying for a patent, there are several important items to consider. The first question you must ask yourself is if your invention meets the basic qualifications for a patent. Generally, your invention must be a new invention or a sufficiently innovative improvement on a previous invention. An invention that has already been on the market or has been discussed in publications for more than a year cannot be patented. The Patent and Trademark Office provides a detailed list of what can and cannot be patented.
Upfront costs will probably be among the first things you will think about, and certain expenses affect everyone who applies for patent protection. The application process requires a filing fee, a fee for issuing the patent, and an examination fee for determining that your request is in compliance with the law. You may incur additional costs for any outside services you employ in the preparation of your patent application.
Another issue for you to consider is whether you wish to seek patent protection in multiple countries. A patent granted in the United States does not provide protection elsewhere. Inventors in the U.S. must have a license from the U.S. Patent Office before seeking patent protection in another country if the international patent is filed within six months of the U.S. patent. Each country has different patent laws and different fees apply, so registering a patent overseas requires careful research.
With so many decisions to make, you will need to consider whether you need assistance in preparing your patent. For instance, you might opt for the added legal security of having a professional service conduct the patent search. Since the patent application can be quite complicated, many new inventors also seek the advice of an experienced patent attorney. This will help to ensure that you can enforce your patent if someone attempts to breach it. Finally, consider the services that a professional patent illustrator can provide. As a major part of the application process, patent drawings must be detailed, accurate, and show your invention from various perspectives. Patent designers have specialized knowledge of such requirements.
About: As an engineer and project manager, John Gizowski of La Grange, IL has earned recognition and respect among his colleagues for his hands-on approach to meeting or exceeding goals, timely implementation, and return on investment in all of his projects. Beyond the office, he serves as an academic advisor to his alma mater and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.