Your Quick Introduction to Filing for a Patent - What to Know

The product is at the heart of every company. Without a solid idea, no business would thrive, let alone survive. It is for this reason that much time, thought, and attention must be put into the research and development process of any product.

With that said, there are other factors that you must investigate if you want your small business to succeed. Aside from your product development and marketing strategies, you must also plan out your intellectual property (IP) protection. This entails patenting your product idea as soon as possible.

If you have been fervently looking around for guides on how to file for a patent in Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, allow us to help! In the sections below, you will find some essential points you need to keep in mind throughout this process.

Why You Need to Create a Patent Strategy

The most fundamental benefit of having a patent strategy is that it empowers you to build a strong portfolio, which then helps you get your patent approved. This may also help you reduce the costs you’ll have to pay for your IP protection.

Ultimately, getting your patent approved means being able to protect your product idea for 20 years from filing. No other competitor in the U.S. can make, use, sell, or import your invention without your permission.

3 Key Tips to Creating a Strong Patent Application

While businesses will have different approaches to their endeavors, here are three basic yet smart tips worth following:

1. Include as many details as possible regarding your company’s current creations as well as products being developed. A thorough application will help you achieve thorough IP protection.

2. Refine your existing patent applications if necessary. This is especially true if you have developed new features along the way. Filing new claims may help you derive additional value from your patent.

3. Keep track of your patent claims. This will help you get a clear understanding of how your current claims are covering every component or IP of your products.

2 Crucial Elements You Need to Set Up in Advance

Filing a patent application, as well as producing prototypes, can be quite tricky. You need to be thoughtful about when and how you will proceed with these activities. The slightest difference can make a significant difference in the success of your application.

On that note, here are some items you will need to prepare carefully:

1. Prototypes

Your patent application must include details about the innovations that the product offers. These details cover both the working features of your prototype as well as those that still need more refining.

However, take note that you may need to file your patent application first before subcontracting a third-party company to manufacture the prototype. This is to avoid any inventorship concern regarding the ownership of the invention.

2. Legal Counsel

While there are things that you can handle on your own, you need legal counsel when it comes to attesting to the validity of your patent. Patent lawyers can also help prove the viability of your patent application.

Their inputs and expertise will help you communicate the strength of your IP protection strategy to successfully appeal to prospective investors.


Conclusion

Sorting out your product’s patent may sound like a daunting task, but it is something that you must do to protect your idea and your business. Doing so will allow you to keep your competitors at bay and safeguard the IP that you’ve worked so hard on. On that note, keep in mind that you don’t need to do this on your own. There are patent experts you can consult to achieve the best possible result for your patent application.

Looking for a skilled and reliable patent lawyer in Houston, Texas? We’re the ones for you! You can count on Stephens | Domnitz | Meineke PLLC to provide the counsel you need as you file your patent application. Get in touch today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation!