Patenting Process

Basic Activities in the Patenting Process include:

Invention Disclosure - this is where the inventor(s) define their invention

Prior Art Search - a preliminary search to identify other patents with a similar technical scope

Provisional Application - Quick and inexpensive to file to establish a filing date. Provisional Applications are not examined.

Non-Provisional Application - The formal patent application that starts the examination process.

PCT Application - a standard, international patent application process that can be useful for those unsure of internal protection requirements.

Fast Track Application - Normally it takes several years for the USPTO to examine your patent application. However, subject to certain fees and restrictions, it is possible to "fast track" your application to receive a first office action within 9-12 months.

Examination - the process that the patent office goes thought to determine if the invention is patentable

Office Actions & Responses - this is the back-and-forth between the applicant and the examiner to determine if the claimed invention is patentable, and if so, to what extent.

Allowance & Issue - Once the application has been deemed patentable, the patent office will "allow" the patent to be issued, and once the issue fees are paid, the patent is issued.

Maintenance Fees - are due at 3.5 years, 7.5 years and 11.5 years from the date of grant.