There are five main types of patent search, and here’s what they’re called, what their purpose is, and when they’re used.

Conducting patent searches early in the invention process protects you by clarifying potential conflicts and ensuring that your time, energy, and resources are directed toward

Used correctly, a provisional patent application gives you time to explore your invention’s potential, seek funding, and test the market. Used incorrectly, it can create

Filing a provisional patent application doesn’t mean you can forget about that application or the invention for 12 months. That time goes fast, and you

Legally, you can file on your own, but many DIY provisional applications don’t hold up later. Most DIY provisional applications, and ones done through a

In the U.S., you do have a one-year grace period after public disclosure to file a non-provisional patent application, but that’s not true everywhere. Public

Your non-provisional application can only claim priority to what was actually disclosed in the provisional application. If key elements weren’t clearly described, you won’t be

A provisional patent application is essentially a temporary filing that holds your place in line at the USPTO for 12 months. To get an actual

Many inventors breathe a sigh of relief once they hit “submit.” They start using “patent pending” and assume their rights are secured indefinitely. Wrong. A